Search Results

In 2007, the Novo Código de Trânsito Brasileiro (New Brazilian Traffic Code) completes ten years in existence. The forecast reduction in the number of accidents and deaths have not been borne out, and the absolute and relative figures continue to rise. Recently, two studies, published by the IPEA in Brazil and AUTOFORE in Europe, have shed light on a theme which has been neglected in this country: What is the real cost of traffic accidents and vehicle emissions? This work seeks to determine, by means of a bibliographic review, the impacts of the introduction of a periodic technical inspection system in Brazil O novo Código de Trânsito Brasileiro completará em 2007 dez anos de existência. As expectativas em torno da redução do número de acidentes e de mortes no trânsito não se confirmaram e os números absolutos e relativos continuam em ascensão.

Today's traveling public demands a consistently high degree of: Safety Comfort Reliability of scheduled on-time performance This has necessitated the close cooperation of the aircraft manufacturer and the airline operator in continuing efforts to achieve these three basic essentials to air transportation through ever increasing reliability of equipment. This can in large measure be realized through: Steady improvement in airframe, engine and component integrity through design research and production quality control by the respective manufacturer. Easier access for components inspection through design of the aircraft. Simplified methods of installation and/or removal. Certain essential system duplication built in the aircraft. Close collaboration on training mechanical personnel enabling them to cope with the sophistry of modern aircraft systems.

A Maintenance and Reliability Simulation Model has been developed which can be used to evaluate and optimize the Maintainability and Reliability characteristics of an aircraft and the maintenance and logistic resources required to support the aircraft. The model is programmed to simulate any aircraft type or series. Its uniqueness to a specific design arises by virtue of the input data supplied to the “aircraft characteristics” segment of the model. The validity and accuracy of the model logic have been verified by simulating the maintenance operations of a fleet of aircraft being operated in scheduled service and comparing the model output with actual in-service reported data.

The paper deals with the philosophy guiding the maintenance of a large bus fleet operated in city service. Specific illustrations of the application of that philosophy in actual practice are given. Forms showing the items covered on various inspections and the evaluation of the results obtained by making those inspections are included. The paper reaches the conclusion that maintenance systems must fit the requirements of the operation they are designed for and that they must be fluid, allowing for constant changes.

This paper presents the current status of the Mobility Equipment Research and Development Center's new Hydraulic System Test and Repair Unit (HSTRU). In addition to describing the configuration of the prototype, it discusses the military requirements which led to its development and the analysis of the engineering tradeoffs involved in the selection of its components. Throughout the paper, analogies are drawn between military and commercial needs for the repair and maintenance of hydraulic systems in fielded mobile construction equipment.

MAINTENANCE economy is seldom a realization unless sufficient consideration has been given to the major factors entering into the cause for maintenance. The expenditures necessary to correct normal wear conditions often represent a very small portion of the total maintenance cost. The operator is presented too frequently with the problem necessitating design corrections before the truck has operated many thousand miles. The responsibility for failures of this nature may rest with either the purchaser or the manufacturer. The purchaser may, due to insufficient thought having been given to the contemplated assignment of the truck, misinform the manufacturer as to the load to be carried or the terrain to be traversed; or his appropriation for purchase may be insufficient for a suitable piece of equipment. The manufacturer, on the other hand, may accept the order, knowing that he cannot furnish suitable equipment.

Over the last 5 years a set of certification requirements for transport category aircraft have been developed by the Federal Aviation Agency and the Joint Aviation Authorities for lightning strike protection. Those requirements were jointly developed by a cooperative effort between industry and regulators attending a series of committee meetings sponsored by SAE and the ARAC. Within the last two years, the regulatory agencies have recognized a need to address the continued airworthiness of lightning protection devices installed on transport category aircraft to meet these certification requirements.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Engineering and Simulation as used in the MINUTEMAN Developmental Program provide the process and tools for cost-effective design and support of system maintenance requirements. This paper relates these techniques to the basic objectives of Maintainability programs from the point of view of the system engineer and maintainability program manager. The Maintainability Program described is part of the system engineering effort TRW Space Technology Laboratories provides to the Air Force, Ballistic Systems Division.

Powerplant managers in commercial airlines are under continuous pressure to minimize operating cost. The easiest way to do this, at least for the short term, is believed to be to minimize the cost of each engine repair. Maintenance must be looked upon as a long term investment. Data on JT8D and JT9D engines is presented which supports the hypothesis that spending more per repair will result in a better engine that will run longer between shop visits - reducing the operating costs over the long term. Progress has been made toward substantiating this hypothesis, however, more work is required.

Aircraft design has mainly changed in the past years, introducing new materials such as CFRP at a large scale. Even if this great change brought many advantages: weight, sustainability, reliability… it upset the way to produce basic parts and to assembly. A special difficulty lies in drilling multiple stacks made of different materials, i.e. metal (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel) + CFPR. Indeed, as the process has to drill through those stacks during a unique operation, cutting conditions and tool technologies are a compromise. As a consequence, tool life cycle, productivity and above all, hole quality are no longer optimum. Some materials, such as titanium requires low cutting speed and high feed rate whereas CFRP requires opposite trends. Moreover, heat generated by cutting metal (especially titanium) can damage CFRP when overheated metallic chips pass through.

The demands on future mobility concepts for private transport will be determined by three major trends: climate change, urbanization and demographic change. These trends also provide the basis for three main development goals: “zero emissions”, “intelligent mobility” and “zero accidents”. In combination with intelligent traffic concepts and driver assistance functions, electric mobility will make a vital contribution to implementing these goals. To nevertheless keep individual mobility affordable and safe, the complexity of the electrical/electronic architecture (E/E architecture) of today's vehicles must be significantly reduced. It must advance along the steps that avionics and industrial automation already took more than 20 years ago, i.e. it must adopt the structures and methods of modern information and communication technologies (ICT). The text below describes the motivation and idea for future E/E architectures and the potential which arises from changing them significantly.

The Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) is a mass spectrometer system that measures the major constituents of the International Space Station (ISS) atmosphere. Experience has indicated that the operating life of the mass spectrometer is limited by the operating life of the ion pump, which maintains mass spectrometer vacuum. This paper summarizes the use of trend data from on orbit operations and ground testing to identify and understand the factors affecting ion pump life and to predict ion pump life on orbit. In addition, potential improvements currently under consideration to increase ion pump life, and therefore mass spectrometer life, are discussed.

This paper deals with the surveys carried out by the author's company during the last three years, on the shortcomings of existing tractor trailer cargo and baggage handling equipment on Airports, the results of those surveys and the criteria so produced for the design of a new method of handling air cargo. The paper describes in general terms the resulting system, now known as the LA PD 22 roll trailer system, and makes comparisons with the first generation equipment it is intended to replace, and highlights some significant contributions in terms of cost savings, safety and increased efficiency that can be made by using well planned handling methods. Mr. Lister also covers the increased safety aspects of the new system, which is intended to improve the working conditions of baggage and cargo handlers on airport aprons.

This paper describes Pratt & Whitney Aircraft's refurbishment method for upgrading in-service JT9D low pressure turbine cases with a redesigned front flange section of the case. Refurbishment was made possible by the development of electron beam welding techniques for the forged Incoloy 901 nickel-base alloy in the case. The techniques developed minimize heat affected zone intergranular stress cracks which historically have been a deterent to structural welds in Incoloy 901.

Major in-service improvement programs in air traffic control are the high altitude area positive control expansion program and the terminal positive separation program. Both are in consonance with recommendations of the FAA Administrator's Task Force on air traffic control. The former will establish positive control in all U.S. airspace between 24,000 and 60,000 ft. A protoytpe terminal positive separation area will be established at Atlanta, Ga., in November 1962 to separate all aircraft within 15 miles of Atlanta between 2000 and 6000 ft. mean sea level. This will test the capability of the system to provide positive separation to all traffic operating within the designated airspace. This paper discusses the implementation of these systems.

Some truck equipment manufacturers now offer a “Major Overhaul Program” to the users of digger derrick trucks. This program involves a complete tear down of the existing equipment and body; the rebuilding and remounting of the unit on a new truck chassis. This is followed by complete testing and finish work. The results produce a digger derrick truck in mint condition, under warranty, at a considerable savings when compared to a new unit.

Programs and techniques have been developed, and are being applied, which demonstrate methods of improving the use of major stamping presses. Further, the application of these tools is increasing within press plants and resulting in more cost effective, cost efficient stamping operations.