Tungsten Alloy Trim

Vibrations in the dynamic components of aircraft engines and propeller systems are highly undesirable. Vibration, caused by mass imbalance of externally rotating components, can be reduced or eliminated by using mass trim weights. Additionally, counterweight are incorporated into the pitch control systems of many propeller designs as a failsafe mechanism. During flight the propellers are kept at the correct angle by hydraulic pressure Should this system fail the weight counter the blades' tendency towards fine pitch and ensure that over speeding is prevented. Flight control surfaces, such as elevators, rudders and ailerons, often incorporate counterbalances to optimize performance. Tungsten alloys offer designers several advantages over conventional balance materials such as lead or steel. The higher density of the alloys permits smaller components to be used, reducing overall system weight. Unlike lead, which can exhibit creep at ambient temperatures, these alloys are stable and so may be used in mechanically stressed positions without the need for additional fabrication and encasement

In addition to their incorporation as weights and balances, tungsten alloys contribute to aircraft fabrication and repair operations. To deaden the vibration caused by rivet guns, bucking bars are used to absorb the force. The vibration can result in damage to nerves, muscles and bones in operators' hands causing Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Many aerospace companies now reduce the effects of vibration by using tungsten alloy bucking bars

Ever more rapid long-distance transport of passengers and goods with a concurrent reduction of fuel consumption and emission of pollutants is one of the main demands of today's aerospace industry. Products and components made of tungsten alloy high performance materials are key elements for future generations of civil supersonic and wide-bodied airplanes, hypersonic aircraft and high performance planes. High-temperature materials facilitate pioneering innovations in the area of propulsion systems, such as aircraft turbines and rocket propulsion, as well as hot outer skin structures of hypersonic aircraft.