ASAP Sourcing Solutions Blog

Aircraft engines are like their hearts, as they provide the energy which both propels the plane and runs all of the other systems. The engine works by turning the alternator that provides electricity and running the various pumps that power systems pertaining to hydraulics, pressurization, and others. Moreover, its goal is to transform potential energy stored in fuel into mechanical energy that powers the airplane it is a part of.
 
Engines are composed of several basic components. First is the cylinder which is where combustion occurs. Next is the piston, where it rests inside the bottom of the cylinder and provides the compression for combustion. The connecting rod supports the piston, and it transmits energy down to the crankshaft which is then transferred out of the engine to a propeller.

Anchors are more than just a colossal metal object used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom, they can also be used on a smaller scale as a fastener within a machine. In industrial applications, anchors are used as a way to distribute a load when a structural element is connected to a non-structural element. Mechanical anchors come in many forms, but they often look like a threaded bolt with a nut and/or washer fastened to one end. One simple example is the use of anchors to hang a painting. Choosing the right anchor for an application is critical to ensuring a secure hold and avoiding potential damage. In this article, we will be discussing the major types of anchors to choose from, as well as some factors to consider when making your choice. 

When flying an aircraft, it is important that you take into account the speeds at which you are traveling for safety and efficiency. In many instances, aircraft will need to be within a certain range of speeds to optimally carry out specific maneuvers, and to make things easier, airspeeds are often broken up into what are known as “v-speeds.” These v-speeds account for varying ranges of speed, and having a general understanding of the types and what maneuvers are carried out within them can help you better fly.

Across a myriad of industries, secure and reliable fasteners are essential to ensure the smooth operation of equipment. With various types of fasteners on the market, from metal screws to strips of tape, it can be hard to understand what each style has to offer, making the decision of which fastener to choose all the more challenging. For your better knowledge, this blog will offer a comprehensive overview of one fastener type in particular: the locking nut.

The advent of the turbine engine brought about the most significant leap forward in aviation capabilities. With its implementation, aircraft were no longer limited to a few passengers and short flight durations. But, of course, the term "turbine engine" encompasses several individual engine designs, each with its own features for different applications. Of the various engine types, two of the most common in use are turboprop and turbofan. Although they are similar in their outward appearance and even interior design, these two engines differ in their operating principles. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about turboprop and turbofan engines and how they differ.

Airbus is one of the most notable aircraft manufacturers in the industry, serving as the creator of the most popular aircraft of the 21st century, that of which is the A320. The A320 family comprises a number of narrow-body airliners that are used for passenger transport, and the first model was released in 1987. Airbus continues to add to this series in the present, with its most recent development focusing on a revolutionized cabin design. Ranging from customizable cabin LED lights to improved lavatories with touchless systems and antimicrobial coatings, Airbus is exploring various ways in which they can develop a better experience for passengers and crew alike.

If you have ever traveled in an airplane and sat at the window seat, you have probably noticed a small hole present in the window. However, if you are unfamiliar with their purpose, there is a chance that you have also wondered if this hole is supposed to be there in the first place. Nevertheless, there is no need to worry because these holes play a significant, and positive role in airplanes and are called bleed holes. To better understand these little clearances, we will discuss the importance and purpose of bleed holes present in airplane windows.

Journal bearings, also called sleeve bearing, sliding, or plain bearings, work by creating a wedge of fluid compression between the bearing and the rotating shaft. The journal is the hardened component of the entire structure which is mechanically supported by the bearing. However, the bearing pad materials are typically softer, utilizing substances such as lead and tin-based babbitt, copper-lead, bronze, carbon, PTFE, and sintered powdered metal.

Threaded inserts consist of a coarse wooden screw thread on the outside and a fine machine screw thread on the inside. This design makes it easy to use machine screws in wood, as well as makes them easy to remove. To better understand these compact devices, this blog will provide a brief overview of threaded inserts and their importance.

As there are varying types of aircraft, there are many different jet fuel options available, the two most common being Jet Fuel and AVGAS. In general, private jets, commercial airplanes, and aviation aircraft rely on Jet Fuel and AVGAS to operate efficiently. Typically, Jet Fuel is used for jet engines, while AVGAS is the preferred choice for piston-engine aircraft. To better understand each type, this blog will provide a brief overview of each.