Aircraft Engine Mount Types and Their Features
Aircraft engine mounts are one of the most important components on any aircraft. Their function is to connect the engine of an aircraft to its main body. As such, it is important that a proper mount fits well and is sturdy enough to handle the engine’s weight at different levels of torque during flight. Aircraft engines generate a lot of vibration and therefore engine mounts must be built to distribute that vibration and avoid damage to the engine, its mount, and all surrounding parts. There are several different types of mounts available, each suited for different applications and aircraft types. The following blog is a detailed discussion of the different types of aircraft engine mounts available along with certain details to consider for choosing the right mount.
Different Types of Engine Mounts
Conical Engine Mounts: Conical engine mounts consist of an armature which connects to four different points on an engine, holding it in place and connecting it to the aircraft body. They are the simplest type of mount and have very easy maintenance but are not as effective at handling vibration. For this reason, conical mounts are most often used for lightweight and traditional aircraft which endure less vibration and can benefit from a less heavy option.
Bed Mounts: Bed mounts offer much more structural integrity and engine connectivity than conical engine mounts. They are also built with four points of connection, but have a sturdier frame with higher-strength capability as a result. Bed mounts are mainly used with Diesel and Rotax engines and are installed underneath the crankcase.
Dynafocal Engine Mounts: Dynafocal engine mounts are stronger than conical engine mounts, using a ring shape for better structural strength. These mounts are used to suppress vibration while maintaining flow from the torque in the engine. The ring shape aids in the mount’s strength, but also limits maintenance and repair capabilities. Overall, dynafocal mounts are a costly but suitable option for commercial aircraft.
Features to Consider
High-Temperature Strength: Aircraft engines generate a lot of waste heat which can reach temperatures of up to 500?. As such, engine mounts need to be able to endure high temperatures without sustaining damage.
Mount Shape: In order to ensure structural integrity, an engine mount should fit tightly in place with the aircraft body. Engines also come in various different shapes and sizes and therefore require mounts which are somewhat adjustable to fit their respective forms. To ensure that a mount will fit the engine, it should match the aircraft’s model.
Mount Material: A good engine mount should be long-lasting and able to withstand extreme conditions such as high vibration and varying temperatures. Each material comes with differing strengths and capabilities. One option may be nickel-based alloys which are suitable for use in extremely high temperatures. For a lightweight option, titanium alloys can be used. Finally, containing both chromium and molybdenum, high-steel alloys are a great high-strength choice for low temperatures.
Joints and Bends: The joints and bends of a mount should be well-fitted to the space they attach to and match the areas available for connections.
Conclusion
Aircraft engine mounts are a useful component for not only connecting an engine securely to the body of an aircraft, but also distributing and suppressing vibration to avoid damage from wear. There are several important factors for you to consider when choosing an aircraft engine mount, including the environment a mount will need to handle, the shape of the engine, and available space for installation. If you are searching for a high-quality aircraft engine mount and/or other aviation components, Parts Needed Yesterday is here to help. Feel free to browse our catalog of available parts on our website and fill out an instant Request for Quote form today to get a custom quote for your comparisons in 15 minutes or less!
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