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. Read more >>

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. Read more >>

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.  Read more >>

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. Read more >>

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. Read more >>