Aircraft Engine Mounts: The Basics

Engine mounts serve as the sole connection between an engine and the main fuselage of an aircraft. They attach the engine to the aircraft body, suppressing vibrations while spreading them evenly throughout assemblies to guarantee smooth operations. As such, engine mounts are designed with a durable metal body so that they can match engine weight and torque requirements. Built in a web shape, these simplistic-looking structures are durable and necessary in order to guarantee the highest degree of airworthiness. In this blog, we will explore the top features of aircraft engine mounts and their functions.

Features of Quality Engine Mounts

Engine mounts are all built of chromoly tubular steel and steel chrome molybdenum that has been shaped to meet the capacity and dimensions of the aircraft they are a part of. An engine mount must have the strength to withstand turbulence, varying torques, high speed, and harsh external elements. As such, mounts should be made of a durable material so they have a long lifespan without the need for frequent replacement. It is also important that an engine mount is able to snugly fit into its installation area so that it may properly perform its intended functions, meaning it needs to be built with precise joints and bends to fit in the curves and spaces of the engine and its components.

Reciprocating Engine Mounts

The majority of aircraft featuring reciprocating engines will use an engine mount structure which is built in one or more sections that incorporate the engine mount ring, bracing members, and fittings so the mount may attach to the wing nacelle. Moreover, these mounts tend to be secured to the aircraft body by heat-treated steel bolts that are designed to support the entire weight of the engine and propeller during flight. The upper bolts are able to support the weight of the engine while the aircraft is on the ground with ease, but when airborne, all bolts experience torsional stress.

The portion of an engine mount where the engine attaches is called the engine mount ring, and it is built of steel tubing with a greater diameter than the rest of the mount structure. Its circular shape allows it to surround the engine which is often attached to the assembly by dynafocal mounts. Aircraft have grown in size and power over time, meaning that their produced vibrations have increased as well. Rubber and steel engine-suspension units, also called shock mounts, permit restricted, multidirectional movement of the engine to solve this issue.

Engine Mount Functions

As integral components for design, engine mounts are also the most stressed parts of aircraft, and they are built to tolerate large amounts of pressure. In addition to holding the engine in place, engine mounts also transmit motor power to the airframe so that engine weight, torque, and vibration can all be optimally spread out.

Inspections Are Necessary

Because engine mounts are frequently exposed to high temperatures, corrosive gasses, vibration damage, load-bearing stressors, chafing from cables, and more, such assemblies require regular inspections. With an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years, it is important to perform engine mount inspections at least annually.

Emergent Industrials, Your Premier Procurement Partner

Those in the market for top-quality aircraft engine mounts and more can rely on Emergent Industrials to meet all their part needs. With more than 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find aircraft parts and components available in our inventory for your immediate purchase, you will easily find and source what you are looking for with our resources. Our expansive supply-chain network stretches across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, ensuring our ability to expedite shipping rates for domestic and international customers alike. Moreover, those facing AOG requirements will be pleased to find that we are able to offer same-day shipping on a select number of items. We encourage you to call or email us at any time to commence the procurement process and see how Emergent Industrials can serve as your strategic sourcing partner. 

1. johnson scottish
2. Posted on January 18, 2023
aviation

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