PHAK 7: Aircraft Systems Flashcards
Reciprocating Engines
What are reciprocating engines?
Engines where pistons move back-and-forth (reciprocate) to produce mechanical energy for work.
Reciprocating Engines
What advancements have improved reciprocating engines recently?
Computerized engine management systems improving fuel efficiency, emissions, and reducing pilot workload.
Reciprocating Engines
How do reciprocating engines convert energy?
They convert chemical energy (fuel) into mechanical energy through combustion in the cylinders.
Reciprocating Engines
What are the two primary types of reciprocating engines?
Spark ignition and compression ignition engines.
Reciprocating Engines
How does a spark ignition engine work?
It uses a spark plug to ignite a pre-mixed fuel-air mixture.
Reciprocating Engines
How does a compression ignition engine work?
It compresses air in the cylinder, raising its temperature for automatic ignition when fuel is injected.
Reciprocating Engines
What are the classifications of reciprocating engines?
- Cylinder arrangement: radial, in-line, V-type, or opposed.
- Operating cycle: two-stroke or four-stroke.
- Cooling method: liquid or air.
Reciprocating Engines
What is a radial engine?
An engine with cylinders arranged in a circular pattern, offering a favorable power-to-weight ratio.
Reciprocating Engines
What is the most popular reciprocating engine for small aircraft?
The horizontally-opposed engine, known for high power-to-weight ratios and reduced aerodynamic drag.
Reciprocating Engines
What is the main advantage of a two-stroke engine?
Higher power-to-weight ratio due to a power stroke on each crankshaft revolution.
Reciprocating Engines
What are the four strokes in a four-stroke engine cycle?
- Intake: Draws fuel-air mixture into the cylinder.
- Compression: Compresses the mixture for greater power.
- Power: Ignites the mixture, pushing the piston down.
- Exhaust: Removes burned gases from the cylinder.
Reciprocating Engines
What innovation did Frank Thielert pioneer for aircraft engines?
Diesel-fueled piston engines capable of running on Jet-A fuel, offering reliability, cost savings, and operational independence.
Reciprocating Engines
Which aircraft commonly use diesel cycle engines?
- Diamond DA40 and DA42 Twin Star.
- Retrofitted Cessna 172 and Piper PA-28 models.
Reciprocating Engines
What is FADEC?
Full Authority Digital Engine Control, simplifying engine control in modern reciprocating engines.
Propeller
What is a propeller?
A rotating airfoil that generates thrust to pull or push an aircraft through the air.
Propeller
How does a propeller generate thrust?
By rotating and creating aerodynamic lift similar to how a wing produces lift.
Propeller
What factors affect the thrust produced by a propeller?
- Shape of the airfoil.
- Angle of attack (AOA) of the blade.
- Engine revolutions per minute (RPM).
Propeller
Why is a propeller blade twisted?
To produce uniform lift from the hub to the tip, compensating for the difference in speed along the blade.
Propeller
What is the angle of incidence on a propeller?
The angle of the blade relative to its rotation, which changes from the hub (highest pitch) to the tip (lowest pitch).
Propeller
What happens if the propeller blade has the same angle of incidence throughout?
- The portion near the hub would have a negative AOA.
- The tip would be stalled, making it inefficient.
Propeller
What are the two main types of propellers on small aircraft?
- Fixed-pitch propellers.
- Adjustable-pitch propellers.
Fixed-Pitch Propeller
What is a fixed-pitch propeller?
A propeller with fixed blade angles set by the manufacturer, which cannot be adjusted.
Fixed-Pitch Propeller
What is the main drawback of a fixed-pitch propeller?
It is only efficient at a specific combination of airspeed and RPM, leading to compromises in cruise and climb performance.
Fixed-Pitch Propeller
What are the two types of fixed-pitch propellers?
- Climb Propeller: Lower pitch, less drag, better takeoff and climb performance, less efficient during cruising.
- Cruise Propeller: Higher pitch, more drag, better cruising efficiency, less effective for takeoff and climb.