Machine Design
  • Resources
  • Members
  • Directory
  • Webinars
  • WISE
  • CAD Models
  • Advertise
    • Search
  • 3D Printing & CAD
  • AUTOMATION & IIOT
  • Robotics
  • Motion Systems
  • Materials
  • Video
  • Data Sheets
  • Topics
    Industry Markets3D Printing & CADAutomation & IIoTFastening & JoiningMaterialsMechanical & Motion Systems Medical DesignRobotics
    Resources
    Machine Design ResourcesWISE (Workers in Science & Engineering)Company DirectorySearch Data SheetsContributeDigital Edition ArchivesCSIA Exchange
    Members
    ContentBenefitsSubscribe
    Advertise
    https://www.facebook.com/MachineDesignMagazine/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/10998894
    https://twitter.com/MachineDesign
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKEiQ9dob20rIqTA7ONfJg
    1. Automation & IIoT

    Coast Guard planes to get a room with a view

    Nov. 17, 2005
    The U.S. Coast Guard wants to put a "picture window" in its search-and-rescue aircraft to improve visibility during missions.

    Purdue University mechanicalengineering-graduate student Harold Kess (standing) uses a special "modal hammer" to strike a mock section of a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft. Mechanical engineering Professor Douglas E. Adams monitors vibration data on a computer screen. Photo: Purdue News Service /David Umberger


    Currently, the Lockheed Martin HC-130J Hercules search-and-rescue plane has a circular observation window that is about a foot in diameter. The Coast Guard would like to install a window that is about 4 X 3.5 ft.

    The problem: "It could increase the noise and vibration inside the aircraft to dangerous levels, making it difficult for rescuers to complete their missions," said Purdue Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Douglas E. Adams.

    Purdue engineers have concluded, however, that the impact of increased vibration on personnel could be managed by installing special vibrationisolating seats.

    "The bottom line is the benefits of increased visibility probably would outweigh the potential dangers posed by increased vibration," Adams said.

    Mechanical-engineering students worked with Purdue Aviation Technology Professor Ronald Sterkenburg to recreate two mock panels of the aircraft's fuselage, one with the large window and one without. Researchers analyzed the two panels, comparing how much vibration and sound would be created in each.

    "Vibration is a serious problem in search-and-rescue aircraft," Adams said. "In helicopters, for example, vibration-related fatigue can become so high that it has actually forced pilots to ditch their craft in the water."

    The HC-130J has four engines, and each engine spins a propeller containing six blades. Having six blades increases vibration inside the airplane, compared to the HC130-H aircraft, a similar plane with the same number of engines but only four blades per prop. "You are pushing more air at a higher rate with the six blades, which creates more vibration and pressure from sound waves," Adams said.

    Engineering students used hammer strikes to recreate the type of vibration caused by spinning engines. Researchers also bombarded the fuselage sections with sound from a loudspeaker to recreate the vibration caused by propellers pushing air across the plane's exterior.

    "Tests showed that adding the window is likely to produce about 10 times more vibration and 10 times less noise," Adams said. "We know occupants are sensitive to certain vibration frequencies and certain sound levels, so we were able to determine whether increases in vibration and sound would pose problems."

    Continue Reading

    Universal Robots Unveils UR30: Relief for Heavy Lifting

    Emergent Technologies That Improve Productivity and Flexibility

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!

    I already have an account

    New

    Most Read

    How Much Should a Bolted Joint be Tightened?

    SCHURTER FXP Fuse Holder is Designed for High-Power Applications

    Brushed vs Brushless Motors: Which is Best for your Application?

    Sponsored

    Reliable and Accurate Sensing for Demanding Applications

    Industrial Internet Of Things

    Industrial Automation & Process Controls

    Machine Design
    https://www.facebook.com/MachineDesignMagazine/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/10998894
    https://twitter.com/MachineDesign
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKEiQ9dob20rIqTA7ONfJg
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Do Not Sell or Share
    • Privacy & Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    © 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
    Endeavor Business Media Logo