Spin pits play a critical role in testing the structural integrity of high-speed aircraft electrical rotors. These facilities allow engineers to evaluate the integrity of these parts under conditions that meet or exceed what will be seen in service.
Barbour Stockwell, Inc. (BSi) can design and build custom spin pit facilities that adhere to our clients’ specific requirements. Learn more about how spin pits work, the types of tests they can accommodate, and their many benefits below.
How Spin Pits Work in the Context of Aircraft Electrical Rotors
The spin pit replicates the high rotational speeds experienced by aircraft motor and generator rotors during flight. This enables engineers to identify defects that could lead to catastrophic failure in real-world scenarios.
Spin pit acceptance testing is generally required for re-wound and new electrical rotors. These facilities can exceed the normal operating speeds of an aircraft’s electrical rotors, helping to identify potential design flaws before they pose a safety risk. Additionally, spin pits are equipped with sophisticated sensors that monitor vibration, temperature, and other critical parameters during testing.
Types of Spin Pit Testing
Our custom spin pits are ideal for the following testing applications:
Destructive Burst Testing
Destructive burst testing pushes an aircraft electrical rotor to its absolute limits until it fails. Engineers analyze the failure mode and debris patterns to understand the weakest points in the rotor design and improve future iterations. This type of test is typically performed on prototype rotors or to validate containment structures designed to hold rotor fragments in case of catastrophic failure.
Low-Cycle Fatigue (LCF) Testing
Low-cycle fatigue (LCF) testing simulates the repeated stresses an aircraft electrical rotor experiences during numerous takeoffs and landings. This test is crucial to ensuring the long-term durability of rotors and predicting their safe service life.
Hot Testing
Aircraft electrical rotors typically operate in high-temperature environments. In some cases, it may be advisable to perform testing at the temperatures expected in service. Hot testing allows engineers to ensure the rotor’s structural integrity is maintained even in extreme environments and high temperatures.
Benefits of Spin Pit Testing
Testing aircraft electrical rotors in a spin pit offers numerous advantages, including:
- Enhanced Safety. By rigorously testing rotors under extreme conditions, spin pits contribute significantly to the overall safety of aircraft electrical systems.
- Improved Design. Data gathered during spin pit testing can help engineers refine rotor designs for optimal performance and longevity.
- Reduced Downtime. Early detection of potential issues during spin pit testing prevents costly in-flight failures and minimizes aircraft downtime.
Spin Pit to Overspeed Aircraft Electrical Rotors from BSi
At BSi, we have the necessary skills and expertise to build custom spin pit facilities for overspeed testing aircraft electrical rotors. Our spin pits can accommodate various testing processes and are capable of generating more than 200,00 rpm. Contact us to learn more about our spin pit testing services and products, or request a quote to get started on your custom solution.