Purchasing Synergy Blog

An IDG, more formally known as an Integrated Drive Generator, is a type of power system commonly implemented within aircraft for the means of governing all engine hydraulic systems. In general, such assemblies consist of a single housing which contains a Constant Speed Drive (CSD) and an AC generator mounted in parallel. With the controlled differential capabilities of the CSD, a consistent output speed can be maintained for driving the AC generator. With this process, many key components of the aircraft are provided the energy necessary for their functionality. As a result, it is crucial that operators maintain their IDG for optimal flight operations.

A ball bearing is a common form of rolling-element bearing, featuring balls placed between races to maintain separation. With the use of such products, rotational friction between moving surfaces can be mitigated while axial and radial loads are supported. With the use of ball bearing cages, also known as retainers, the bearings may be held together while balls are separated from one another. Coming in numerous types, such bearing elements are crucial for standard operations and may act as a reservoir or supplier of oils for lubrication. In this blog, we will discuss ball bearing cages and retainers, allowing you to better understand their functionality and common types.

For a majority of modern aircraft, flight is made possible through the continuous combustion of fuel-and-air mixtures that drive turbines, create propulsion, and more. While the power needed for flight is created through such methods, the resulting exhaust from ignited fuel-and-air mixtures needs to be efficiently expelled from the system to avoid major pressure and heat build-up. Exhaust can also be harnessed for increased propulsion in some aircraft after being used to drive systems, making the engine exhaust system a very crucial aspect of any aircraft. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of common engine exhaust systems and their designs, allowing you to better understand the role they play in powered flight.

The flight line of an airport or airfield is the area near hangars where aircraft may be unloaded, offloaded, and serviced. As a high-level activity space that may have running aircraft, operating APUs, fuel trucks, baggage handling equipment, and other objects present, maintenance technicians and workers must be on constant alert and aware of their surroundings for the means of safety. In this blog, we will provide an overview of the common hazards associated with flight lines, allowing you to understand best practices to keep yourself and others safe.

The induction system is crucial for the operation of a reciprocating aircraft engine, ensuring that air is brought into the system for the means of combustion. As air is brought in from the outside, it is mixed with fuel before being delivered to the engine cylinder assembly for ignition. Due to the relation of the induction system’s ability to draw in air and the general performance of the aircraft, it is important that such assemblies are well-designed and maintained. In this blog, we will discuss how the induction system works and how it supplies the engine with sufficient airflow.

Welding is a process in which two or more parts may be joined together through the use of high heat, pressure, or a combination of the two. While a significant portion of an aircraft may be conjoined with fasteners, many assemblies are also made possible through the use of welding. Depending upon the parts being fused and the materials present, a number of welding processes may be carried out to produce a rigorous and reliable fusion. In this blog, we will discuss some of the primary welding methods used by aircraft manufacturers for the production of components and structures.

The radial engine is a type of reciprocating internal combustion engine in which the cylinders radiate outward from a central crankcase like the spokes of a wheel. When viewed from the front, radial engines resemble a star. For this reason, they are sometimes called star engines. The radial configuration was commonly used for aircraft engines prior to the rise of gas turbine engines. In this blog, we will discuss the operation of radial engines in detail.

The most common type of air conditioning system found in aircraft is the aircraft vapor cycle system. Within this system, there are six major components: the refrigerant, receiver dryer, expansion valve, evaporator, compressor, and condenser. In this blog, we will discuss each component and its role within the system as a whole.

Though it is not necessary for flight, the aircraft electrical system remains one of the most important onboard systems. Exactly how critical electricity is for the aircraft depends on the aircraft design. Some airplanes do not have electricity at all, while in commercial aircraft, electricity is used for safety equipment, cockpit instruments, environmental systems, entertainment functions, and more.

Motor controllers and drives are electrical devices used to regulate motor speed, torque, and position outputs. The drive alters the power input to the motor to realize a desired output. Controller circuits are frequently consolidated with the drive circuits to form a single stand-alone unit, and as such, the terms motor drive and motor controller are frequently used interchangeably. The four basic motor controller and drive types are AC, DC, servo, and stepper. Each type has its own input power type adjusted to the desired output function to match with its intended application.