How does industrial wire mesh make aerospace safe?
Keganhirl > 03-31-2022, 09:24 AM
Mesh plays a role in aviation safety and is used in all aircraft, from commercial to military. Learn how and why the material is used for aircraft below.
1) Noise Reduction
Commercial airplanes have to meet strict regulations for noise control. One way to reduce noise is by placing wire mesh inside the nacelle, which houses engines, equipment, and fuel. Finely woven metal mesh helps soften the sound of a jet by redirecting it into the engine's honeycomb component.
2) Contamination Prevention
Jet engine overhauls are usually sparked by contamination. When dirt and debris make their way into the most critical systems, it can lead to costly repairs and premature failures. To prevent this, many airliners use hardware cloth filters, as the material can help safeguard the engine from mid-flight contamination.
3) Air Quality Control
Just like in homes and buildings, the air quality inside airplanes is extremely important for crewmembers' and passengers' health, safety, and overall in-flight experience. When commercial aircraft fly at high altitudes, the air inside is usually recirculated, which heightens the need for proper filtration.
Using wire mesh in the air filters of a plane can help prevent contaminants and other breathable irritants from circulating through the cabin. This includes dust, ozone particles, fuel byproducts, cleaning products, bacteria, airborne viruses, mold, and other allergens.
4) Weight Reduction
Since it weighs only about one-third as much as stainless steel and other metals, aluminum wire mesh is used in the aerospace industry to reduce the overall weight of aircraft. You'll often find aluminum hardware cloth in the nacelle, engine, and air filtration systems of airplanes.
Since the material is so lightweight, it's unusual to see other types of metal used inside airliners. Aluminum mesh can be engineered into doors, overhead bins, seats, and other functional internal components.
5) Corrosion Prevention
Aluminum is also known for its resistance to corrosion. Since aircraft are continuously exposed to high-altitude elements, extreme climates, and high speeds, they need to be able to resist corrosive environments. Aluminum wire mesh can help protect from freezing temperatures, heavy rainstorms, and intense winds.