Pressure Measurement for Aerospace Testing and Ground Support Equipment

Aerospace systems must perform reliably. Before equipment reaches an aircraft, it can go through extensive testing and validation.

Pressure measurement plays an important role in this process.

Hydraulic test systems, pneumatic systems and ground support equipment all rely on accurate pressure data. The right pressure transmitter can help engineers monitor systems, check performance and identify changes during testing.

Where is pressure measurement used in aerospace testing?

Aerospace testing covers many different systems and components.

Pressure measurement can be used during development, testing and maintenance. Common applications include:

• Hydraulic system testing
• Pneumatic system testing
• Component and system test rigs
• Engine and propulsion testing
• Fuel system testing
• Ground support equipment
• Pressure calibration and verification
• Research and development test systems

Each application has its own requirements.

Pressure ranges, temperatures, media and installation conditions can all vary. The pressure transmitter must therefore be suitable for the test system.

Pressure measurement for hydraulic testing

Hydraulic systems are widely used in aerospace applications. They can control systems such as landing gear, flight controls and braking.

During testing, engineers need to know how the hydraulic system behaves under pressure.

A pressure transmitter can monitor pressure at different points in a test system. This helps engineers check operating pressures and observe pressure changes.

Test equipment can also experience rapid pressure changes and pressure spikes. The transmitter must be able to cope with these conditions.

The correct pressure range is also important. Choosing a transmitter with a suitable range helps provide accurate and useful measurements.

Pressure measurement for pneumatic testing

Pressure measurement is not limited to hydraulic systems.

Pneumatic systems also require testing and monitoring. These systems can use compressed air or other gases to operate or test aerospace equipment.

The pressure transmitter must be compatible with the measured medium. Its pressure range must also suit the application.

Some test systems require measurement at relatively low pressures. Others may require much higher pressure ranges.

Selecting the right transmitter helps ensure that the measurement system provides reliable data.

Pressure transmitters in ground support equipment

Ground support equipment, or GSE, helps support aircraft while they are on the ground.

This can include equipment used for:

• Servicing
• Testing
• Maintenance
• System operation

Pressure measurement may be required in hydraulic, pneumatic and other pressurised systems within this equipment.

Ground support equipment does not operate in exactly the same environment as equipment used during flight. However, reliable pressure measurement is still important.

GSE may be used to test or service critical aerospace systems. Engineers therefore need dependable pressure data.

A pressure transmitter used in GSE may need to provide:

• Accurate pressure measurement
• Good long-term stability
• Robust construction
• The correct pressure range
• Suitable temperature performance
• Media compatibility
• The correct electrical output
• A suitable mechanical connection

How does temperature affect pressure measurement?

Temperature can affect pressure measurement.

Aerospace test environments can vary significantly. Some equipment may operate at high temperatures. Other systems may be exposed to very low temperatures.

Changes in temperature can affect the sensing element and other components within a pressure transmitter.

This can lead to measurement errors if the transmitter is not suitable for the application.

Engineers should therefore consider both pressure and temperature when selecting a transmitter.

For demanding test applications, temperature stability can be just as important as the pressure range.

Choosing a pressure transmitter for aerospace testing

There is no single pressure transmitter for every aerospace test application.

The selection process should start with the requirements of the system.

Engineers should consider several factors.

Pressure range

The transmitter should cover the expected operating pressure. It should also provide suitable protection against pressure spikes and overload.

Temperature range

The transmitter must operate across the temperatures expected during testing.

Media compatibility

The materials in contact with the measured medium must be suitable for the application.

Accuracy and stability

Test systems often rely on accurate measurements. Good stability is also important when monitoring equipment over time.

Mechanical connection

The pressure connection must be compatible with the test equipment.

Electrical output

The output signal must work with the monitoring or data acquisition system.

Environmental conditions

Vibration, shock, moisture and other environmental factors may also need to be considered.

Aerospace quality and manufacturing

Aerospace applications place strong demands on quality and manufacturing processes.

Traceability and controlled production are important when pressure measurement forms part of a test or support system.

At ESI Technology, we manufacture pressure transducers, transmitters and sensors for industrial and specialist applications.

Our aerospace work is supported by AS9100D approval and many years of manufacturing experience.

AS9100D provides a quality management framework for the aerospace industry. It supports controlled processes and consistent product quality.

ESI pressure transmitters for aerospace applications

ESI Technology offers a range of pressure measurement solutions for aerospace testing and associated equipment.

Our pressure transmitters are available in a wide range of pressure ranges and configurations. This allows the transmitter to be matched to the application.

Our silicon-on-sapphire (SoS) technology also provides a robust sensing solution. It is well suited to applications where stability and resistance to environmental effects are important.

We can also develop customised pressure measurement solutions for specialist requirements.

Our engineering team can work with customers to understand the application. We can then help identify a suitable pressure measurement solution.

Reliable pressure measurement for aerospace testing

Aerospace testing is all about understanding how equipment performs.

Pressure is often an important part of that picture.

A hydraulic test rig, pneumatic system, engine test application or ground support system may all require reliable pressure measurement.

The right pressure transmitter can provide the data engineers need to test, monitor and validate equipment.

Selecting the transmitter starts with understanding the application.

At ESI Technology, we combine pressure measurement expertise with specialist manufacturing and aerospace quality processes. This allows us to provide pressure measurement solutions for aerospace testing and ground support applications.

For more information or a quote for our aerospace pressure transmitters and pressure transducers, contact the sales team [email protected] or +44(0)1978 262255. Alternatively, find your local distributor here