Aviation tires are filled with nitrogen gas. This inert gas prevents oxidation, eliminates moisture from inside the tire and protects aircraft from brake heat transfer explosions. It also reduces the risk of fires and explosions by blanketing aircraft fuel tanks and pipelines. So, why is nitrogen used to inflate aircraft tires? The answer to this question may surprise you! Its benefits go beyond safety.
It’s an inert gas
Nitrogen is an inert gas that is often used in the inflation of aircraft tires. When used in this capacity, the nitrogen used in tires does not affect the rubber membrane. Rather, the nitrogen works to keep the rubber on the tyre airtight and porous. TPMS helps airlines save money by reducing the risk of tire-related accidents.
However, there are many safety concerns associated with the use of inert gas in airplane tires. Because of this, the FAA has made it clear that this is not an issue. The FAA says the proposed rule will not have a significant effect on the safety of aircraft and is deemed not to pose a substantial expense or significant public concern. Instead, the proposed rule is likely to have minimal or no economic impact.
Another benefit of nitrogen is that it does not corrode rubber or rims. Unlike other gases, nitrogen does not contain water vapor, which can cause a fire if it gets into the brake caliper. It also prevents steam from forming during compression. This prevents the rupture of the tire and reduces the risk of an explosion. The proposed rule will apply to all airplanes type-certified after it is finalized.
The inert gas nitrogen is used in the inflation of aircraft tires because it does not react with other substances in the air. In fact, nitrogen is more inert than oxygen. This means that nitrogen requires less energy to react with other substances. Oxygen is also reactive with rubber when heated and causes a weakening effect. As such, the pressure of 95% nitrogen in the aircraft tire is less likely to decrease and requires less maintenance.
It doesn’t react with oxygen
The answer to the question “why is it important that it doesn’t react with oxygen when used to air up airplane tires?” lies in the chemical formula. Oxygen destroys the rubber molecules in an aircraft tire. In addition to destroying the tread, oxygen also corrodes steel cords. This article will explore the chemical formula and its safety implications. This article is based on current knowledge about the chemical formula for aviation tires.
Air-filled aircraft tires are known to be more flammable and can explode if they are punctured or if the pressure is too high. One crash in the United States occurred because of the explosion of a tire. When compared to air-filled tires, nitrogen keeps the pressure constant, reducing maintenance costs and miles traveled. Additionally, nitrogen doesn’t react with rubber, making it safer to use in airplane tires.
Another benefit to nitrogen is its ability to prolong tire life. Airplane tires can be subject to tremendous forces during takeoff and landing. Moreover, tires can heat up quickly, so reducing their temperature is important. Since nitrogen doesn’t react with oxygen, it is a safer option for filling aircraft tires. Also, it does not react with metal wheels and prevents rust.
The proposed rule would also mandate the use of inert gas for inflating airplane tires. The requirement would only apply to braked wheels, so unbraked wheels don’t pose a significant heat source. This amendment would apply to aircraft type-certified after the final rule is issued. This new standard would be in effect on all airplanes manufactured after the amendment is finalized.
It absorbs shock
The reason why nitrogen is used to inflate airplane tires is that the air in a normal atmosphere contains 20% oxygen and 97% nitrogen. Air can easily become saturated and explode when it reaches high altitudes, so the nitrogen-containing tires allow the plane to fly safely at high speeds. It also eliminates water vapor freezing at high altitudes. In fact, the U.S. military and NASA use nitrogen in their planes’ fuel tanks to help prevent water vapor freezing.
The inertness of nitrogen means that the pressure of air-filled tires will change less than that of nitrogen-filled tires. When the pressure of air rises, oxygen will diffuse through the rubber more easily. Likewise, nitrogen-filled tires will remain under pressure longer, saving money on maintenance and gas mileage. Because nitrogen is resistant to both high and low pressure, aircraft tires are more durable and need less maintenance than those filled with air.
The water inside the air-filled tire will eventually vaporize, so the pressure of the air-filled tire will increase more quickly than the surrounding atmosphere. Nitrogen is less flammable than oxygen, and it will not cause a hazardous gas release, so it is a safer choice. However, nitrogen is still not the best choice for inflating aircraft tires. You can still use air in these tires as well.
One reason that nitrogen is chosen for air-filled tires is that it does not decompose as easily as oxygen does, making them less likely to rupture while flying. Besides, natural rubber has a high porosity, making it vulnerable to gasses. When nitrogen is used, it is much more stable, meaning that nitrogen-filled tires will maintain their air pressure longer. This is a win-win for the pilot and the airline.
It doesn’t react with rubber
Nitrogen is a chemically inert gas that doesn’t react with the rubber used to inflate aircraft tires. Because of this property, it’s safe for pilots to use. Unlike other chemicals, nitrogen won’t cause any reactions with the rubber, which prevents tire fires. Another advantage of nitrogen is that it’s inexpensive and widely available. In fact, it’s the most popular fuel for aircraft tires.
When used to inflate aircraft tires, nitrogen doesn’t react with rubber like oxygen and moisture do. This makes it safe for aircraft, and is a great alternative to nitrous oxide. Normal air contains oxygen, which can burn explosively. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is inert and doesn’t react with rubber when used to inflate aircraft tires.
Nitrogen has many benefits. For one, it has the lowest temperature of all the common gases. That means that nitrogen can’t cause ice to form in tires, which can lead to dangerous conditions. And since nitrogen doesn’t react with rubber, it doesn’t contribute to the formation of flammable vapors, either. In a worst-case scenario, an air-filled tire could explode and cause a catastrophic disaster. Additionally, nitrogen fills tires consistently and saves maintenance and mileage.
While airplane tires look like they’re made of normal rubber, there are special rubber compounds used to create the unique characteristics of the aircraft tires. The aircraft tires are made of conductive rubber, which is different than that used in automotive tires. A spark could potentially ignite fuel inside the plane. If it happens, the airplane may be grounded, which is dangerous for passengers alike. In addition to this, conductive rubber also keeps the plane’s fuel in place and enables the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft.
It doesn’t react with aramid cords
The tread on an airplane tire is made of different materials. The high speed of takeoff can tear the tread off the tire. A passenger aircraft has two pairs of tires, whereas a freight aircraft has four. Airplanes also have landing gear to help stabilize the aircraft. Cords, which are layers underneath the tread, are made of nylon or aramid fabric casings enclosed in rubber. Plies are the different materials that make up the tire.
Airlines are made to have tires inflated to around 200 psi, which is roughly six times more air pressure than a car tire. This high air pressure is what gives the tires strength, but this pressure also requires tougher tires than car tires. Airplane tires are made of proprietary synthetic rubber compounds, which are reinforced with nylon and aramid fabrics. This makes the tires more durable and resistant to pressure changes.
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