Just Parts Unlimited Blog

When discussing aviation in a general sense, it is important to know the difference between fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. While fixed-wing aircraft feature rigid wing structures that create lift through forward thrust and movement, rotary-wing aircraft feature rotary blades that are generally spun around rapidly to generate the upward force to lift off and fly. Rotary-wing aircraft are particularly useful in situations where traditional fixed-wing aircraft are unable to operate safely, due to the fact that they can regularly hover in place and take off and land vertically.

Fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft are commonly used across industries for many applications, each type being more suited for specific applications or uses. When trying to figure out which is best for one’s needs, it can be useful to determine what advantages one type may hold over the other, such as whether a rotary-wing model may be better than a fixed-wing option based on the situation. Generally speaking, the primary advantage of rotary-wing aircraft over fixed-wing aircraft is their ability to take off, hover, and land vertically without needing a runway or a long stretch of flat land. This allows rotary-wing aircraft to operate in a wider range of environments, including urban areas, mountains, forests, and offshore locations which fixed-wing aircraft are unable to access with ease.

Particularly useful when people need access to places with tricky terrain and no runways available for a plane to take off or land, helicopters were first developed by Igor Sikorsky (1889-1972) in 1939. These incredibly complex machines use aerodynamic force to oppose weight and maneuver through the atmosphere with the help of a number of vital components.

Aircraft feature numerous structures that regulate different components necessary for their operation. For example, aviation hydraulic systems assist planes while they take off, fly, and land. Though pneumatic systems may also be used, aviation hydraulic systems tend to be popular because they are far more reliable than any alternative, and they offer an ideal amount of pressure for particular aircraft operations. As such, they are used to operate aircraft equipment like the brakes, thrust reversers, flight controls, and landing gear. Moreover, hydraulic systems are preferred for their tendency to use non-compressible liquids, meaning that they do not cause a delay in movement, as is the case for pneumatic systems. The following article will explore hydraulic systems and the advantages of using them.

Marine diesel engines are internal combustion engines that use heavy fuel oil and compressed air to generate power. Within the larger system, the main engine is used for propulsion while the auxiliary engine generates electricity for the ship. Additionally, marine diesel engines work on the principle of the dual combustion cycle; similar to engines used in many modern cars, this may include a four-stroke cycle involving intake, compression, power, and exhaust. However, due to the combustive nature of heavy fuel oil used in diesel engines, the combustion cycle may also be confined to two strokes wherein the compression of hot air and diesel fuel is enough to cause the mixture to self-ignite. 

Modern electronic assemblies are often quite complex, featuring a wide variety of parts that work together to establish functionality. Many of these various parts are often known by acronyms to simplify discussion, though this can cause issues when acronyms and parts are fairly similar to one another. An example of this is the printed wiring board (PWB), that of which may be conflated with a printed circuit board (PCB) as a result of their close names. Despite this, there is a difference between the two, making it important that one has a basic understanding of printed wiring boards, their design, and their use.

When working with electronics, systems will not always run on the same type of voltage. As such, many applications in which electrical circuits are employed also require the addition of a voltage transformer. This is a component used to convert voltages from one level to another. Whether in power transmission or other electronic equipment, voltage transformers are important part types across a myriad of applications. For your better knowledge, this blog will explore some of the more popular uses for voltage transformers.

As the marine propulsion systems/engine market is gaining considerable traction for the ability to power massive cargo ships, it is only becoming more apparent that the demand for these sustainable engines is on the rise. Marine propulsion systems propel ships through water, ensuring a better safety standard for the marine ecosystem and cost efficiency. With the intent to fight pollution, worldwide emission reduction goals have been set for the maritime sector that can be achieved with such systems.

Motherboards serve as the backbone upon which the various computer components may be installed. This central architecture allows each device to communicate with each other. When building any computing device, the quality and capacity of the motherboard is often the biggest factor, given its role in determining compatibility with other components. It can be confusing to navigate the countless motherboard options since there are many manufacturers, price levels, and performance specifications. In this blog, we will discuss the various factors that should be considered when choosing a motherboard.

A generator is an important device for producing electrical energy through the conversion of mechanical energy by means of electromagnetic induction. Generators vary in design and components; however, specific types of generators will contain the same basic components. For this blog, we will be focusing on key parts that make up an AC generator, also known as an alternator. When in use, this type of generator converts mechanical energy into AC voltage and current, and it differs from a DC generator in its use of alternating current rather than direct current. The basic components of an AC generator include field windings, an armature, slip rings, and brushes.