An aircraft engine test cell is a vital component of manufacturing engines for planes or jets. This equipment performs valuable checks on engines before they are placed in planes that people fly. Whether a company is testing a new idea to see if it works, or performing last checks on a finished product before it gets shipped out, a test cell is a vital way to safely put an engine through its paces and catch any problems before it’s too late.
Test cells are very complex networks that perform a series of different functions. Here are just a few things that they do.
Keeps the Engine Running
Inside a jet engine test cell, an engine can’t start itself the normal way and keep itself running using fuel. A test cell usually has capabilities that power up the engine while the rest of the equipment works on testing the engine. Usually, this is done using compressed air.
Simulates Test Flight Conditions
Inside the aircraft engine test cell itself, the engine is put completely through its paces, simulating what it might do in flight conditions. This doesn’t include just cruising conditions, but takeoff and landing as well. These test procedures are important since takeoff and landing are usually the most dangerous times for an aircraft.
The test cell will also simulate emergency conditions such as storms or hail. The engine has to be prepared for anything it might face. The entire time, thrust-measuring bridges and other sensors track everything that the engine does and determine if it passes the test or not.