Orals Flashcards
What is the purpose of dynamic dampers on crankshafts?
The reduce engine vibrations
What type of bearing are generally found in reciprocating engines?
Plain, ball, roller.
Are the connecting rods used in each cylinder of a radial engine the same? Explain.
No radial engines use master and articulating rod assemblies
Where should piston ring gaps be installed relative to each other and why?
Compression ring gaps should be staggered so that they do not align. this prevents excessive blow by
What could result from incorrectly installed piston rings?
Excessive oil consumption.
What purpose do oil control rings serve?
They regulate the thickness of the oil film on the cylinder walls
What is used to help prevent valve surge or floating in an aircraft engine?
2 or more springs are used on each valve
On engines equipped with hydraulic valve lifters, what should the running valve clearance be?
Zero
What is the purpose of valve overlap?
It allows better volumetric efficiency and lowers cylinder operating temperatures
Name the different types of piston rings
Oil control, compression and oil scraper
What indications are given in the event of a leaking or open primer while the engine is running?
The engine will not idle properly
A cold cylinder is found when troubleshooting a running engine. What does this indicate?
No combustion in that cylinder
When pulling a propeller through, a hissing sound is heard, indicating valve blowby. What procedure should be performed next?
compression check should be performed to identify the faulty cylinder
What is the purpose of performing a compression test?
To determine if the valves, pistons and rings are sealing properly
When an engine is overhauled, how is its total time affected? When an engine is rebuilt, how is its operating history affected?
The total time on the engine must be continue and the time since major overhaul is entered into the engine log. If the manufacturer rebuilds the engine, it is granted a zero time status and is considered to have no previous operating history.
What inspections should be performed after a propeller strike without sudden stoppage?
Inspect engine mounts, the crankcase, and the nose section for damage. Inspect the oil and oil filters/screens for metal particles. Inspect the crankshaft or driveshaft for cracks and misalignment
Name some of the precautions that should be performed prior to engine removal.
Disconnect the battery, turn off the fuel valves, chock the wheels, install a tail stand if necessary
When inspecting a piston, where are cracks most likely to be found?
In those areas that are highly stressed; usually the base of the piston bosses, inside at the junction of the bore and the walls, and the ring lands.
What does it mean if an engine part is within serviceable limits?
It means that the part is within the manufacturers limits and can be used in an engine
What tools or instruments are used to inspect a cylinder barrel for out of round?
A dial indicator or inside micrometer is usually used to measure the top of the cylinder and at the skirt. A telescopic gauge and micrometer can also be used. two reading should be taken 90 degrees from each other.
How can a loose stud in an engine crackcase be repaired?
Remove the loose stud and inspect the hole for size and thread condition. It may be necessary to use an oversize stud or Helicoil insert.
What publication is used to check an engine for normal operation?
Manufacturers Maintenance Manual
A weak cylinder is found during a compression check. what must be inspected?
Pressure is transmitted equally in all directions
What purpose does an oil analysis serve?
Metal particles in the oil show normal and abnormal wear of the engine. This helps in evaluating the engines internal condition
What inspection should be performed on an engine that has been in storage?
Perform an inspection to determine if there is any corrosion damage
Where would a carburetor air temperature bulb be located?
In the ram air intake duct.
What is the fuel pressure range on float type carburetors?
3 to 5 psi
Name the basic components of a fuel indicator system
the transmitter and the indicator
What unit of measure is generally used to indicate fuel flow?
Pounds or gallons per hour
Why is fuel flow monitored?
To determine fuel consumption and engine performance.
What does the manifold gauge indicate and how is it calibrated?
It measures the absolute pressure in the engine manifold and is calibrated in inches of mercury
What directly controls manifold pressure?
Throttle opening and engine rpm
During engine operation, where should the propeller control e set when checking the manifold pressure?
low pitch, high rpm
Is the aircraft electrical system required to power a cylinder head temperature gauge?
No. A thermocouple is used as the electrical source
What are the possible indications of an oil pressure transmitter or indicator malfunction?
A severe or sudden drop in oil pressure while the oil temperature remains normal and the oil supply remains full
What does a tachometer indicate on a reciprocating engine?
Engine RPM
Where should the thermocouple be installed on a reciprocating engine using a single probe cylinder head temperature system?
On the hottest cylinder
Explain the main difference and advantage of turbofan over turbojet engines
A turbofan uses a fan to bypass some air around the engine core and to provide thrust. The advantage is that this provides additional thrust without increasing fuel flow
Name the major components in a gas turbine engine.
Air inlet, compressor section, combustion section, turbine section, exhaust section, gearbox and accessory section
What determines the amount of airflow through a turbine engine?
The forward speed of the aircraft, compressor speed, and air density
Name the two types of compressors commonly used in turbine engines
Dovetail type root, bulb type root, fir tree type root
What is a split compressor system?
Also called dual or twin spool compressors, these are connected to the turbine section with two rotor shafts, one inside another
What are the different types of combustion chambers used in turbine engines?
Can, Annular, can-annular, and reverse flow annular
What prevents the combustion chambers from burning?
Cooling air along the inside of the liner
What is the purpose of the interconnecting tubes attached between can type combustion chambers?
For flame propagation during start
What functions do axial flow turbine nozzles perform?
They direct the mass airflow to drive the turbine rotor at a specific angle.
How is thermal stress relieved on a turbine disc?
By directing bleed air onto the face of the disc, or by grooves being cut in the disc
What are carbon seals used for in turbine engines?
They are used as oil seals for the rotor shaft bearings
What is shaft horsepower?
It is an indication of the torque developed by a turboprop or turboshaft engine
Name the main components of a typical APU
A small power turbine for power and bleed air and an electrical generator.
When is the greatest demand placed on an APU
When supplying bleed air
How is an APU generally started?
With its own electrical starter and battery power
Where does the APU get its fuel supply?
From one of the aircraft’s main fuel tanks
At what speed does a gas turbine engine APU operate and how is this speed maintained?
At or near its rated speed regardless of electrical or pneumatic loads imposed. The APU fuel control automatically adjusts the fuel flow to maintain the rated speed.
What is used to prevent a heavily loaded APU from exceeding its maximum EGT?
A load control valve modulates the pneumatic load to maintain EGTs within limits
How is an APU shut down and why is this procedure used?
After the APU is unloaded by closing the bleed air valve, it is run for a specified amount of time to allow the EGT to cool and stabilize. This cool down period is typically three minutes. If a heavily loaded APU is abruptly shut down without any cool down period, damage could occur as a result of thermal shock.
What powers the variable inlet guide vanes used on some APUs to regulate compressor intake airflow?
Fuel Pressure
What is fan blade shingling?
It is the overlapping of the midspan shrouds of the fan blade
When a turbofan or turbojet engine is shut down, what should a mechanic listen for during coastdown?
Any rubbing sound or other unusual noises from the engine.
Why are compressor washes performed and what methods are commonly used?
To remove any contaminants from the compressor section and improve engine performance. The fluid wash and abrasive grit wash are commonly used.
How can you tell if a turbofan or turbojet engine is out of trim?
There will be a high EGT at the target engine pressure ratio for takeoff power.
Name the different types of compressor blade damage that may be found during inspection
Dents, cracks, galling, pitting, scratches, burrs, burns, gouges
What kind of markers can be used to mark the parts in a hot and cold sections during repair?
Layout dye, felt tip marker, chalk
How does relative humidity affect turbine engines?
Negligible effect
What criteria determines replacement of life limited turbine engine components?
Cycles, hours and or calendar time
If turbine blades are removed rom the turbine disc, why should they be reinstalled in the same location?
To maintain the balance of the turbine wheel
How are gas turbine engine tachometers calibrated?
They are calibrated in percent of RPM
On a turbine engine, What does exhaust gas temperature indicate and how is it obtained?
EGT is the average temperature of the turbine discharge gases and is obtained by thermocouples placed near the turbine exit.
On a turbine engine, what is the engine pressure ratio and what does it indicate?
It is the ratio between the total inlet pressure and total turbine exhaust pressure and is used to indicate the thrust developed by the engine
Can EGT system on a turbine engine be checked without running the engine?
Yes it can be checked by the resistance of the thermocouples and circuits
Name the three components on the induction system of a reciprocating engine
The air scoop, carburetor or fuel control, and the intake manifold.
What could happen if the induction system becomes obstructed?
The engine may not be able to produce its rate power or it may not run at all. This may also be an indication of a dirty air inlet filter.
How does induction icing affect engine performance?
It causes reduction in power and possible erratic operation.
How is induction icing categorized?
As impact ice, fuel evaporation ice, and throttle ice.
What is the common method used to prevent induction system ice in a recip engine?
Raise the temperature of induction air with a preheater.
What causes fuel evaporation ice?
Fuel evap ice is formed because of the decreases in air temperature resulting from evaporation of the fuel after it is introduced into the airstream
Is carburetor throttle ice more likely to occur at a higher or lower power setting, why?
At a lower power setting because the throttle is partly closed, offering a larger surface area for ice accumulation.
What may be the indication of leaking intake pipes?
The engine runs rough at low rpm
What happens to engine power when the carburetor heat is applied?
There is a noticeable drop in power
What could happen if carburetor heat is applied at high engine power settings?
Detonation
What are two types of supercharged induction systems?
Internally driven and externally driven
How and at what point does an internally driven supercharger boost air pressure?
An impeller compresses the fuel/air mixture after it leaves the carburetor
What is used to power a turbocharger?
Engine exhaust gas directed onto the turbocharger turbine
What could result if the waste gate on a turbocharger system does not close fully?
The engine may not be able to produce its rated power at certain altitudes, and the aircraft may not be capable of reaching critical altitude.
What function does a turbocharger waste gate perform?
It controls the amount of exhaust gas either into or around the turbocharger, thus controlling the boost pressure of the turbocharger.
What could cause a turbocharged engine to surge?
There could be a waste gate or controller malfunction
What are the most common wats to control a waste gate?
Either mechanically with linkages to the throttle or a separate control, or by an actuator that is driven by oil pressure.
In a pressurized reciprocating aircraft, what component in the turbocharger system is used to limit the amount of turbocharger airflow used for cabin pressurization?
A sonic venturi
What is the function of a divergent shaped jet engine inlet during subsonic flight?
It causes the air velocity to decrease with a subsequent increase in air pressure.
Where are bellmouth inlet ducts typically found?
on helicopter engines
How do venturi type particle separators found on many turbine powered helicopters function?
A venture is used to accelerate the flow of incoming air and debris through a curved intake. The debris gains too much inertia to allow it to follow the curved intake towards the engine, and is channeled away from the compressor.
What are the most common methods used for anti icing of turbine engine inlet ducts?
Engine bleed air and electric heating elements.
What is the purpose of the exhaust system?
To remove high temperature noxious gases
Name two types of recip engine exhaust systems
The short stack and collector system
What drawback in using collector type exhaust systems is more than offset wen used on turbocharged engines?
The loss of horsepower due to exhaust system back pressure
What could result if the internal baffles or diffusers in an exhaust system fail?
The flow of the exhaust gases could be restricted, resulting in a loss of engine power
What type of exhaust system is used on turbocharged engines?
The collector system
What kind of material is normally used to make the muffler shrouds found in the exhaust system?
Stainless Steel
How do you inspect the internal baffles nd diffusers of an exhaust system?
By disassembling the exhaust system as necessary and visually inspecting the components.
Why is an exhaust system failure considered a severe hazard?
I can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, loss of engine power, or fire
What could happen if lead, zinc, or galvanized marks are made on the exhaust system?
They cause a change in molecular structure, which could result in cracks when heated.
What happens if the heat exchanger leaks exhaust gases into the induction system?
There is a loss in engine power
What is an indication of an exhaust gas leak?
A flat gray or sooty black deposit in the area of the leak
Where are the most common places to find cracks in an exhaust system?
At welded or clamped areas and at the flanges
What is a common cause of turbocharger waste gate sticking?
Coke deposits or carbon buildup
Why are turbocharged exhaust system leaks very damaging at high altitudes?
Pressure differential will cause the leak to escape with torch like intensity.
What are exhaust system coke deposits?
Excessive carbon buildup
What is the result of changing the exhaust nozzle area of a turbine engine?
The engine’s performance and exhaust gas temperature change.
Name the components of a typical turbine exhaust nozzle.
The tail cone, exhaust ducts and support struts