Construction and operation of aircraft fluid systems - Assignment Example

Compressed air which is a mixture of all gases present in the atmosphere is suitable as a fluid for transmitting power in aircraft given its properties that closely match those of an ideal fluid. Air is unlimited in supply and practically costs nothing. Although it contains different gases, air is not poisonous (tbub.com 2013). Also, air does not burn in as much as it contains oxygen which supports combustion. Furthermore, it is chemically stable, easy to compress, and, in most cases, does not contain acids that may corrode airplane systems.

Aircraft generally should be as light as possible, the main reason they are made of aluminium. By using air as a medium for transferring power, the aircraft’s weight remains low. If a liquid is used instead of air, the weight of the aircraft would be higher. Unlike it happens with liquids, air does not need a return line when used in a pneumatic system. While this is the case, air often contains moisture to the extent that if it is compressed, the moisture tends to condense causing harm to the system.

The water formed in the system may dilute lubricants, freeze during cold weather, and increase corrosion of system parts (tbub.com 2013). One other disadvantage of air as a transmission system is that it does not transmit power as easily as liquids (Experimental Aircraft 2013). In this respect, it is not very suitable for use in systems that demand precise control. Yet again, air is not suitable for use in transmitting power for heavy mechanical devices since it must be highly compressed to accumulate enough energy.

In this respect, the system will have to include large air tanks and actuators which can work at extremely high pressures (Experimental Aircraft 2013). Q2 Explain the function and operation of aircraft pneumatic systems and their associated status indicators The pneumatic systems of an aircraft are also known as the vacuum pressure systems as noted by Lombardo (1998, p. 43). The pneumatic systems play a great role in the control of aircraft. They systems power instruments, control landing gear (during emergencies), provide air conditioning, doors, windows, and flaps.

Compressed air is used for other functions as well. When the aircraft is flying at high altitudes where the air is too thin, the passengers depend on compressed air from the pneumatic system for their breath and comfort. In some airplanes, compressed air is used to ignite the jet engine. Compressed air is also used for deicing and anti-icing for the proper functioning of the aircraft. The vacuum pressure systems basically comprises an air compressor, pump, a system of distribution pipes, relief valves, air filter, vacuum regulator, gauge gyro instruments and air storage tanks or bottles, or cylinders (Nagabhushana & Sudha 2010, p. 80). Suction gauge gyro instruments include the attitude and heading indicators.

In small aircraft, the pneumatic system includes instrumentation such as the gyro compass, turn coordinator, and artificial horizon. The Vacuum system with gauge gyro instruments Courtesy of Courtesy of www.flightlearnings.com The airplane pneumatic systems Courtesy of www.flightlearnings.com The pneumatic system works such that the air compressor draws air from the atmosphere and compresses it to the required pressure and volume. The air from the compressor is transported through