Propulsion
Getting aloft requires more than lift; it also takes thrust. Thrust provides the forward motion needed to sustain lift and counteract drag. It is also used to accelerate, gain altitude, and sometimes…
Engine cooling
Marine cooling systems The purpose of a cooling system is to maintain a constant temperature throughout the engine that minimises hot spot expansion leading to seizing of the moving parts.…
Early Developments in Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics, literally “air in motion,” is the branch of the larger field of fluid dynamics that deals with the motion of air and other gaseous fluids. It concerns the forces…
Monoplanes and Biplanes
he Ryan monoplane Spirit of St. Louis pictured in figure 4.1 popularized the monoplane configuration in America and marked the beginning of the decline of the biplane. Another immortal high-wing monoplane, the…
Diesel fuel systems
Direct supply A simple diesel fuel supply system is shown below. The fuel tank with filler cap and venting breather is measurable by a sight gauge. Fuel is directed to…
Ornithopter
Ornithopter, machine designed to fly by the flapping of its wings in imitation of birds. The wooden bird said to have been made about 400 BC by Archytas of Tarentum is one of the…
Balloon flight
Balloon flight, passage through the air of a balloon that contains a buoyant gas, such as helium or heated air, for which reason it is also known as lighter-than-air free flight. Unmanned balloons have been…
Fuel supply, injection and control
Petrol fuel systems Petrol engines use similar tank and supply arrangements to the diesel but dependant on the engine complexity and age may use: Carburetion, or; Petrol fuel injection. Carburettors…
History of flight
History of flight, development of heavier-than-air flying machines. Important landmarks and events along the way to the invention of the airplane include an understanding of the dynamic reaction of lifting surfaces (or…
Engine protection – devices
In best practice vessels of the 25 metres class (80 tonne) will be fitted with an audible warning device to indicate a dangerous condition associated with: engine lubricating oil pressure;…
