If you have ever traveled in an airplane and sat at the window seat, you have probably noticed a small hole present in the airplanes 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.
In general, bleed holes aid air pressure regulation as an aircraft climbs in altitude. This is because, as a flight climbs higher in elevation, the less oxygen there is available for passengers to breathe. Without enough oxygen in the cabin, passengers will start developing hypoxia, that of which can prove fatal.
ressurizing aircraft cabins is a necessity because, without such measures, breathing at higher altitudes would not be possible without an oxygen mask. Additionally, aircraft that fly above 10,000 ft are required to be pressurized so that the pilot, crewmen, and passengers can breathe as usual.
To provide a safe atmosphere, airplanes pump air from jet engines into the aircraft cabin, and once the ideal pressure is attained, it is maintained with the help of an outflow valve. In case the air pressure inside the cabin exceeds the pressure it can handle, the outflow valve will immediately open and excess air in the cabin can filter out. This is why it is critical to switch off the pressure valve once the optimum and ideal air pressure is achieved.
While a
pressurized aircraft cabin is crucial for humans, it is not exactly good news for the airplane, as it puts additional strain on the windows. This is where the addition of bleed holes comes into play, and they are tasked with releasing cabin pressure through tiny prefabricated cavities present on vehicle windows.
To disperse excess air pressure, the windows of airplanes are designed and engineered in 3 layers, each of which has a distinct and imperative role to play. The innermost pane that can be touched by passengers sitting inside the plane is superficial, but necessary as it protects the outer and middle layers of the window.
The middle layer and outermost layer are responsible for regulating differences in cabin and atmospheric air pressure, and a bleed hole is present in the middle layer to help the outermost layer facilitate low-pressure strain. These tiny holes also help release trapped moisture and stop condensation from blocking your view from the top of the world.
In the event of sudden cabin depressurization, an oxygen mask will drop down from an overhead compartment present above each passenger seat. Once the oxygen masks are deployed, they should immediately be applied as passengers will have roughly 20 seconds of consciousness without oxygen.
Once applied, oxygen masks give passengers about 10-12 minutes of oxygen, allowing time for the pilot(s) to bring the plane down to 10,000 feet. At this altitude, passengers can then breathe normally.
Conclusion
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