An internal combustion engine is a heat engine that generates motive power by burning a fuel-air mixture within the engine, and the resulting hot gases drive a piston or do other work as they expand. Due to their incredible durability and drivability, an outstanding 250 million highway transportation vehicles in the United States are equipped with an internal combustion engine. 

Communication systems are an essential part of a safely operating aircraft. With over 3,000 flights taking off each day in the U.S. alone, there must be a steady flow of communication between aircraft and control towers. While many components go into an aircraft's communication system, 

Although screws and bolts may get confused for one another with their somewhat similar functions and appearance, they are structurally and functionally different. Recognizing how they engage with materials, the tools required for their installation, and their most notable subtypes is essential for selecting the right fastener, whether you are tackling a DIY project or managing complex industrial assemblies. In this guide, we will go over the fundamental differences between screws and bolts, briefly exploring commonly used variants to help you make informed fastening decisions.

Many modern aircraft engines operate under extraordinary thermal and mechanical demands, requiring each component to be constructed from materials that can withstand intense stress. Nowhere is this more critical than in the exhaust nozzle, where heat, pressure, and flow dynamics converge at the system’s final stage. In this blog, we will explore the range of materials used in exhaust nozzle construction, highlighting how specific metals and composites are selected to meet performance, durability, and design constraints.

Hydraulic clutches and brakes are common equipment pieces that serve numerous uses, regularly being found within industrial, automotive, railway, aerospace, and agricultural applications. The clutch is a device that is capable of transferring power between driving elements, serving both motors and engines alike. Brakes, meanwhile, are intended for the stopping or slowing of moving systems, and the two equipment pieces are regularly used alongside each other for various operations. 

Connectors are an essential part of many electronic devices, and they are used to join conductors together for the means of establishing electrical circuits. A connector can come in various forms depending on the application and its needs, and different types will present distinct methods of attachment and signal transfer. As different connector types may be more beneficial for select devices and needs, having a basic understanding of the most common variations can be beneficial when one is searching for the right fit for their requirements.

The connector of a backshell is a mounted accessory that serves to protect contacts and wires as well as enhance the operational characteristics of the electronic component. The connector backshell is paramount for strain relief, ensuring that the stress induced on a particular cable is minimized for its integrity. Depending on the application and its requirements, there are a variety of backshell types that may serve a particular connector. Furthermore, variations may present different protection capabilities such as moisture resistance or EMI/RFI guarding. In order to find the right backshell component for your needs, it can be useful to understand their functionality and common types.

A ball valve is a type of quarter-turn valve that uses a hollow, pivoting, perforated ball to control flow through it. When the ball’s hole is in line with the flow it is considered open, and when the ball is pivoted 90-degrees by the valve handle it is considered closed. The handle is flat in alignment with the flow when open, and perpendicular when closed, making it very easy to visually confirm the status of the valve. Ball valves are highly durable and reliable, performing well even after many cycles and closing securely even following long periods of extended use. Both of these qualities make them ideal for shut off and control applications, where they are often preferred to gate and globe valves.

A coupling is a mechanical device used to transmit power or torque from one shaft to another. Their other uses include connecting separately-manufactured components, providing flexibility while transmitting power, providing overload protection, and reducing transmission shock loads from one shaft to another. While there are many types of couplings, we will discuss the six most common: muff/sleeve couplings, split muff couplings, flange couplings, bush pin flexible couplings, gear couplings, and fluid couplings.

Bleed air is the air that is released from the compressor stage of an engine. When released, the bleed air is approximately 200-250°C and at a medium-high pressure of approximately 40 psi. This heat and pressure means bleed air can be used to power many different aircraft systems. As bleed air is a readily available energy source (as long as the engines are working, bleed air will be available), it is constantly used throughout modern aircraft. Bleed air’s two main benefits are its heat, which is used for things like anti-ice and de-icing systems, and pressure, which is used for things like cabin pressurization and air conditioning.