Engine cowlings seem to receive little attention when making engine construction. In fact this heavy, large, and has resistance to extreme external conditions equipment is very important. You can imagine what it would be like if we flew by plane but the engine didn’t have cowlings. It could be that the airplane actually looks like a damaged airplane that was forced to fly because it had an accident.
The engine cover itself protects the motion control components with its supports rods making it easier for maintenance crews to operate. The material that makes up the engine cowlings must also be durable, resistant to heavy vibrations, resistant to extreme temperatures, and even better if the material is lighter.
You may currently find lighter materials on the market such as fiberglass to make engine cowlings. Light materials like this can save fuel. Moreover, can reduce carbon emissions. No matter how sophisticated the machine is, if it still uses heavy materials then it will damage the environment in the long term.
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Airplane Engine Cowlings
Many airplanes have cowlings to protect the engine against damage. Airplane engines are less likely to suffer physical damage when shaking, impact or strong wind blows if they have cowlings. Large commercial jets, turboprops, and small aircraft also use these engine cowlings for damage protection and other benefits.
Prevents Excess Heat
All automotive engines including cars, airplanes, and ships require cowlings to facilitate cooling. We know that all automotive engines produce heat. Likewise with aircraft engines even though they have cooling fins that can provide a cooling effect at any time. However, the engine can still overheat due to various factors. Maybe when you fly, the weather is too hot or the engine is almost nearing its end.
The cooling method for aircraft engine cowlings is by transferring the heat inside the engine until the engine does not get too hot.
Reduce Obstacles
Engine cowlings not only cover the fuselage but also the cockpit. The size of aircraft engine cowlings varies. There is a small size for small aircraft and a big engine cover for large fuselages. The presence of engine cowlings with sizes that match the size of the engine can reduce resistance in the engine.
That is why the design of cowlings is quite careful so as to achieve the slimmest shape so that it can perform its function in reducing drag. Each engine in an airplane must have a cover with a very important function.
Boat Engine Cowlings
There is an engine attached to the back of the boat where when strong sea water pushes the boat, the engine can go into the water. The engine cowlings on the boat will cover the top part of the outboard motor engine. You can remove and install the cover as you need. The cowling will protect the engine which may be in the water when it hits the waves so that the engine motor can still work well until it reaches its destination.
The construction materials for cowlings can vary depending on the outboard motor manufacturer. People like to use covers that are light, strong, and resistant to extreme weather. Sometimes the big size of the boat engine cowling makes it difficult for us to close and remove it. Therefore, outboard motor manufacturers need to consider using light but strong materials such as nylon polyester fabric with additional fiberglass reinforcement material.
Meanwhile, you can maintain your boat engine cowlings by applying a layer of wax to the cowling body. However, extreme conditions such as salt water, exposure to sunlight, rough treatment when taking out the boat will definitely hit the engine cowling. Scratches on the cowling body can also gradually disappear, although not completely.
Well, when you need to look for the light yet strong and durable material for your engine cowling so you need to see track record of the manufacturer. Every single company can produce fiberglass for any kinds of engine cowlings. But the best company who has produced and has sold the products around the world for more than 10 years will give your insight about the proper fiberglass for any necessity and any industries. Just choose the best one.