Regardless of stainless steel price, its applications in the aerospace sector can be found in every other aircraft equipment. Manufacturers making different types of aircraft be it helicopters, aeroplanes, gliders, and jets have been using stainless steel (SS) parts to make a state-of-art, fully functioning aircraft.
When it comes to preferred material, there is something about SS that makes it the preferred metal in not just the aviation industry but other industries as well. One-of-a-kind features such as corrosion resistance give aircraft manufacturers the much-needed confidence that the surface quality won’t degrade irrespective of constant contact with cabin pressure. All thanks to its high chromium content, a thin oxidative-resistant layer gets formed on the surface which gives it stainless qualities.
With that said, you’ll be surprised to know that there are other reasons as well why stainless steel has carved its niche in the aerospace industry. In this article, let’s have a look at the same:
Key Uses
Mentioned below are the key uses that do full justice to stainless steel price and the benefits it offers:
1. Landing Gear Equipment: In order to manoeuvre a vehicle of this grandeur, aircraft pilots undergo rigorous training. The landing system encompasses multiple complex functions like braking, energy absorption, hydraulics etc. Stainless steel’s high resistance and strength set it apart and make it the best choice of metal. Landing gear equipment enables structural functions allowing landing mechanisms to work smoothly and safeguard the component against experiencing stress due to the aircraft body’s weight.2.
2. Actuators: There are various aircraft components that carry out complicated mechanisms. At all times, they ought to be well-maintained to do their job properly.
One such crucial component is known as the actuators. In simple language, they are crucial in enabling the pilot to make adjustments and modifications to the engine’s velocity and speed. It is one part of an air vehicle’s control mechanism which converts electrical signals into physical functions. They are found in almost every part of the air vehicle be it thrust reversers, rudders, nose cargo, ailerons, spoilers, flaps etc.
They are cylindrical shaped and they need to withstand various mechanical adjustments leaving no room for failure. Keeping this reason in mind, SS makes an ideal option for making actuators. All thanks to the hardenability properties and high tensile strength, stainless steel-based actuators tend to last longer in air vehicle systems. Regardless of the prolonged usage, they experience minimal to very little wear and tear.
3. Cockpit Fasteners: When it comes to manufacturing aircraft cockpit fasteners, stainless steel is a prerequisite. These fasteners’ primary function is to secure the area to remain safeguarded in case of a change in air pressure intensity (if any).
SS fasteners are employed to bolt together various knobs and controls together which are there in a cockpit. It prevents the occurrences of loose objects which have the potential to disrupt the aircraft’s flight pattern. The fasteners keep the switches, knobs, monitor, and levers intact and prohibit them from separating from the main flight deck as it’s operated by the flight crew members.
4. Exhaust Components: When it comes to the functioning, various vehicles and equipment exhaust systems function in similar ways. Some primary uses of these systems are regulating the sound level produced by a specific engine, and regulating different gas flow while the engine is running.
As we all know, how often an aircraft’s exhaust equipment gets exposed to fluctuating temperature levels which can be as high as 750°C. SS can withstand high temperatures that are generated in the aircraft’s exhaust system.
Simply put, be it outlets, inlet, or aircraft collector rings made using SS would stay intact during the exhaust as well as combustion process. It prevents the occurrence of blockages and leaks that cannot only pose health hazards but deadly accidents as well.
5. Aircraft Control Rods: The rods enable the aircraft pilot to navigate when the aircraft is in the airspace. There is a wide array of levers and buttons that are there in the cockpit, and they all have a key role to play when it comes to aircraft flight quality. While every aircraft is not built the same, the control rods in every aircraft work the same. That’s why, they must work properly for a smooth flight mechanism.
SS control rods can withstand high corrosion levels. Generally, commercial aircraft fly at altitudes ranging between 30,000-40,000 feet. Constantly, the planes are subjected to environmental factors exposure such as condensation, high temperatures, and not to forget moisture. The chromium content in SS control rods neutralises the oxidation formation such as rust and stains. This keeps the rod’s mechanism intact keeping the risks of stuck flight controls getting, or flight controls clashing with different parts at bay.
Over To You
The uses of SS in the aerospace sector can vary from basic fasteners or screws to advanced functions played by aircraft exhaust systems and engines. With the help of SS components, an aircraft can enhance its manoeuvring skills, securing the entire aircraft, and keeping safety hazards at bay as an aeroplane is subjected to extreme environmental conditions.
Undoubtedly, there will be many more uses of SS in the time to come since more advancements in the aviation sector will be made as time passes. Additionally, when it comes to rates, be it SS or TMT steel price, they vary on the basis of type, grade location etc.