The aircraft braking system is quite different from that of a car; it is a much more complex system that combines thrust reversers, spoilers, and wheel braking systems. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring safety during landing.
Thrust Reversers are a critical component mounted on the aircraft engines. During flight, the engines generate a stream of air that propels the aircraft forward. However, when landing, the thrust reversers are activated, redirecting the airflow to create reverse thrust. This airflow is directed forward, opposite to the normal airflow, helping to quickly reduce the aircraft’s speed.
Thrust reversers are a critical component mounted on aircraft engines. (Illustrative image).
As the aircraft lands, the spoilers on the wings automatically deploy. They serve to disrupt the airflow created by the thrust reversers, causing it to deflect upward at an angle rather than continuing straight. This not only helps to reduce the aircraft’s speed but also decreases lift, enhancing the effectiveness of the wheel braking system after touchdown.
As the aircraft lands, the spoilers on the wings automatically deploy. (Illustrative image).
When the aircraft touches down, the wheel braking system kicks into action. The intense friction between the wheels and the runway generates a significant amount of white smoke. This phenomenon occurs due to the strong friction between the rotating disc and the stationary disc of the braking system, creating high temperatures and vaporizing compounds on the surface of the wheels.
When the aircraft touches down, the wheel braking system kicks into action. (Illustrative image).
One common question is: How can the small tires of an aircraft withstand the enormous weight when landing? The secret lies in the materials and design of the tires. Aircraft tires are made from a special composite rubber compound, steel wires, and nylon, combined with a vulcanization process between the layers. This enables the tires to endure extreme impacts and high-temperature friction.
Furthermore, aircraft tires are inflated with nitrogen at a pressure six times greater than that of regular car tires. This increases the durability of the tires, ensuring they operate reliably under enormous weight and harsh conditions during takeoff and landing.
Aircraft tires are inflated with nitrogen at a pressure six times greater than that of regular car tires. (Illustrative image).
To support aircraft weighing over 100 tons, the airport runway structure must also be specially designed. The runway is constructed similarly to a highway, consisting of four layers: a gravel base layer, a cement-stabilized gravel layer, a stone aggregate isolation layer, and a top concrete layer. The concrete layer, which directly contacts the aircraft tires, is typically at least 30 cm thick.
For runways serving large passenger aircraft, the thickness of this layer can increase to at least 35 cm, and the total thickness of the entire runway structure can exceed 1 meter. In areas with extremely cold or hot climates, the thickness of the runway may be adjusted up to 50 cm to ensure durability and resilience against harsh weather conditions.
The airport runway structure must also be specially designed. (Illustrative image).
The aircraft braking system, from thrust reversers to tire and runway structures, plays a vital role in ensuring safety during landing. Each component is designed and manufactured to the highest standards, not only helping to safely reduce the aircraft’s speed but also ensuring the durability and effectiveness of the related components. This demonstrates the remarkable advancements in the aviation industry in applying advanced technologies to provide safe and smooth flights for passengers.
