How Electromagnetic Brakes are Used in Aircraft?

When aircraft land on a runway at the end of a flight operation, it is important that they are able to stop forward movement as quickly as possible while ensuring no damage to structures or major discomfort to passengers. The use of reverse thrust is common for aircraft deceleration, and it reduces stopping distances and the amount of wear brakes and wheels face. Modern assemblies redirect propulsive forces through the adjustment of a portion of the engine cowling. To ensure that the adjustment is maintained regardless of motion or stressors, redundant systems must be put in place. The standard is to use electromagnetic brakes or locks, allowing for the cowling to remain in place until an electrical signal is given for release.

Electromagnets are a fairly simplistic device, coming in the form of conductive wiring that is wrapped around a solenoid for the creation of a magnetic field through the induction of electricity. In a standard electromagnetic brake assembly, a fixed field coil is used as the electromagnet for the means of controlling the engagement of an armature with a structure that generates braking torque. Electromagnet brakes may be a power-on or power-off type, defining how the assembly acts in its resting state. For example, a power-off brake features a perpetually engaged brake that only disengages when current flows. The opposite is true for the power-on brake, as the flow of current will cause the assembly to become engaged. For the purpose of managing the thrust reverser actuator, the standard option is using the power-off design.

The field coil is a crucial element of the electromagnet, attracting or releasing the armature with the help of spring-engaged technology that maintains contact between the armature and torque-producing structure when the brake is in its power-off condition. Once current enters the assembly, the magnetic field will attract the armature, allowing it to overcome the force of the spring for disengagement. Spring-engaged brakes are known for being compact and economically feasible, making them a fairly popular option that promotes an ease of maintenance.

As basic electromagnetic brakes are fairly limited in their design, engineers may modify certain parameters to better accommodate a particular aircraft. Generally, the most important factors to pay attention to when procuring a solution are operating temperatures, pressures, vibration, torque, response times, RPMs, and much more. However one decides to modify the electromagnetic brake, such assemblies will need to still fit between the engine and cowling.

Many times, the electromagnetic brake chosen will strike a balance between cost and performance, while ensuring that all mission capabilities are met. To achieve the best solution for your aircraft, it is important to begin the consideration process as soon as possible. If you already know exactly what you need for your particular aircraft and operations, let the experts at Procurement Domain help you secure everything you require with ample time and cost savings for your benefit.

Procurement Domain belongs to the ASAP Semiconductor family of websites, and we are your sourcing solution for all the electromagnetic components you require for your thrust reversers. Whether you require a power supply, friction brake components, field coil products, a thrust reverser actuator, or other such aviation items, we have you covered with top-quality listings that have been sourced from leading global manufacturers that we trust. Take the time to peruse our listings as you see fit, and our RFQ service will allow you to easily request quotes for your comparisons with customized solutions being provided in a matter of minutes. If you would like to learn more about our services or simply wish to speak with a representative to start the purchasing process, give us a call or email today!