airplanes that can repair themselves

VOCABULARY ACTIVITY


Complete the text below using the synonyms of the words which are in the parenthesis.

Airplanes get old, and over time their skins can develop tiny holes and cracks. Mechanics are good at (1) _______________ (observe, see) these problems during regular maintenance checks, but a technique developed in Britain that mimics natural healing could allow airplanes to repair themselves.

Researchers at the Engineering and Sciences Research Council are developing composite materials that "bleed" resin when stressed or damaged, effectively creating a "scab" that fixes the damage. It’s an (2) ________________ (novelty) that could drastically (3) _____________ (make it better) air safety, foster the development of lighter aircraft and bring biomimicry to aviation.

"This project represents just the first step", says Dr. Ian Bond, the aerospace professor leading the research. "We’re also developing systems where the healing agent isn’t contained in (4) ____________________ (particular, singular) glass fibers but actually moves around as part of a fully integrated vascular network, just like the circulatory systems found in animals and plants. Such a system could have its healing agent refilled or (5) ____________ (substitute, supplant) and could repeatedly heal a structure throughout its lifetime.________________ (6) (moreover), it offers potential for developing other biological-type functions in man-made structures, such as controlling temperature or distributing energy sources".

Think about the body’s healing process and the technology behind self-healing plastics is easy to grasp.

When we cut ourselves, sticky cells called platelets clump together near the (7) ______________ (injure) to create a plug that stops the bleeding and begins the healing. The principle behind the self-healing plastic Bond has developed at University of Bristol technique is remarkably (8) ___________________________ (like, analogous).

The composite material is made from hollow fibers filled with epoxy resin. When a hole or crack appears, the resin leaks out and (9) _____________ (close, secure) the break and returns it to 80 to 90 percent of its original strength. The epoxy is colored, making it easy for mechanics to spot the repairs and make a permanent fix. (10) ______________ (little, small) damage incurred during flight (and we’re talking a tiny tear or crack, not a gaping hole), would be fixed in the time that it takes a small cut to stop bleeding.

“This approach can deal with small-scale damage that’s not obvious to the naked eye but which might lead to serious (11) ________________ (problems) in structural integrity if it escapes attention,” Bond says. “It’s intended to complement rather than replace conventional inspection and maintenance routines, which can readily pick up larger-scale damage, caused by a bird strike, for example.”

Self-healing would improve the overall (12) _______________ (dependability) and safety of fiber-reinforced polymers, making them a more acceptable alternative to aluminum. That would bring lighter - and more fuel efficient, therefore less polluting - airplanes, automobiles and spacecraft. The researchers believe the technology could be commercially adopted in about four years.

Photo of F-117A Nighthawk fighter by Flickr user James Gordon.

ANSWERS

1.spotting/2.innovation/3.improve/4.individual/5.replaced/6.In addition to this/7.wound/8.similar/9.seals/10.slight/11.problems/12.reliability

WALK AROUND

The walk-around is a standard inspection procedure that all good pilots follow before taking off in their airplanes - from a small ultra light to a jetliner. It consists of a regular walk around the airplane before takeoff, during which you check for any flaws or faults in your aircraft.
The usual procedure is to start inside the cockpit, and walk counter-clockwise around the aircraft, checking all windows, latches, protrusions, control surfaces, and generally checking the condition of the plane itself.

These checks will include such things as checking the overall aircraft structure, checking that the air vents and pitot tube are free from obstruction, checking the tires for signs of wear and tyre - creep, checking the propeller for any sign of damage or wear, checking the linkages on all moveable surfaces for signs of wear or breakage, and checking the levels of engine oil and fuel.
If the pilot is satisfied that he/she is ready for flight and that the aircraft is serviceable and prepared then there additional checks to be carried out depending upon the type of flight to be undertaken. For example, does the aircraft contain the necessary emergency equipment needed for flights over remote areas or over water?

STRUCTURE : THE PASSIVE VOICE - By Cybele Gallo

We use the PASSIVE VOICE when we are interested in what happens, not who it happens to.


EXAMPLE : The brakes are operated by the pedals .

Activity 1 : Join the sentences in column 1-13 with the ones in column a-m .

1.We need to replace the tyres

2.The foward part of the fuselage

3.The new Boeing

4.Antennas

5.This plane must be grounded

6.A tow bar

7.The walk around

8.The plane

9.The elevator

10.The ailerons and elevators

11.The ATIS

12.Flammable materials

13.The throttle lever

a. was hit by a flock of birds

b.are prohibited on board

c.is cracked

d.are usually attached to the fuselage

e. is made of composite material

f.is usually carried out by the co -pilot

g.is used for pulling the plane

h.they are worn

i.is broadcasted in English and in Portuguese

j.is pushed foward to give maximun engine power

k.is hinged to the trailing edge

l.was damaged by a catering truck

m.are operated using the control column

answers: 1-h/2-L/3-e/4-d/5-c/6-g/7-f/8-a/9-k/10-m/11-I/12-b/13-j)

Activity 2 : The sentences below refer to some parts of the Cessna 172 that must be checked during the walk around. Complete them with a suitable verb in the Passive Voice. Use only VERBS.

After completing the sentences, follow the link below to watch the CESSNA 172 walk around video and check your answers :

http://www.videotv.ie/Aviation/afcC172WalkAround.php

During the walk around the pilot must check if:

a.the navigation lights are_______________________ .
b.the pilot tubes are ___________________________.
c.the hinges are not ______________________ or ____________________ .
d.all electrical equipment is _______________________________________ .
e.the baggage door is _____________________________ and __________ .
f.the tyres are _____________________________________________ .
g.the wing surfaces are ______________________________________.
h.elevator trim tab is ________________________________________.

answers: lit/unblocked/cracked or damaged/turned off/closed and locked/inflated/dented/deflected up and down