Aerospace Engineering

Airplanes are exposed to extreme stress during flight, including lift, drag, weight and thrust. Lift is an upward force generated by an airplane’s lifting surface. Drag is air resistance that counters an airplane’s forward motion. Weight is the gravitational pull … Continue reading →

Split winglets have become increasingly common. Also known as split scimitar winglets, they are found on many 737 airliners, including the 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9, 737 MAX 10, 737-800 and 737-900ER. Like all winglets, split winglets consist of … Continue reading →

When most people think of hex nuts, they envision a six-sided fastener with internal threading. After all, the term hex refers to objects with six sides, so conventional wisdom may lead you to believe that all hex nuts have six … Continue reading →

It’s a common misconception that airplanes have isolated fuel tanks — similar to those found in automobiles. With the exception of certain all-electric models, most airplanes store fuel. They burn this fuel with air to power their respective engines and … Continue reading →

Propeller-driven airplanes remain a staple of the aviation industry. While most airplanes used for long-haul flights are powered by turbofans, propeller-driven airplanes still account for about two-thirds of all flights globally. Propeller-driven airplanes include those powered by piston and turboprop … Continue reading →

Ever wonder if airplanes use tube or tubeless tires? With the exception of specialized aircraft like seaplanes, most airplanes have tires. Small airplanes may have just three tires, whereas jumbo-sized airliners can have up to 23 tires. Tires, of course, … Continue reading →

If you’ve ever looked at an airplane’s wings up close, you may have noticed that they aren’t completely flat. With the exception of specialized aircraft, most airplanes have asymmetrical, curved wings. Known as cambered wings, they offer several benefits. What … Continue reading →

When researching aircraft components, you may come across outflow valves. They are found in most airplanes certified to fly above 10,000 feet. Outflow valves play an important role in creating a safe, comfortable environment for passengers. What is an outflow … Continue reading →

Airplanes carry more than just passengers. Whether it’s a small Cessna 172 or a jumbo-sized Airbus A320, most airplanes have a dedicated space for cargo. Known as a cargo hold or baggage hold, it plays an important role in the … Continue reading →