Aviation Mechanic - General, Airframe, and Powerplant › I. General › Task J. Physics for Aviation

AM.I.J.S8

Skill

Calculate horsepower.

Study note

Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Powerplant p. 1-30
Chapter 1: Aircraft Engines › Reciprocating Engine Power & Efficiencies › Indicated Horsepower
Indicated Horsepower The indicated horsepower produced by an engine is the horsepower calculated from the indicated mean effective pressure and the other factors which affect the power output of an engine. Indicated horsepower is the power developed in the combustion ... horsepower is calculated as a function of the actual cylinder pressure recorded during engine operation. To facilitate the indicated horsepower calculations, a mechanical indicating device, such as is attached to the engine cylinder, captures the actual pressure existing…
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Powerplant p. 1-31
Chapter 1: Aircraft Engines › Reciprocating Engine Power & Efficiencies › Brake Horsepower
Brake Horsepower The indicated horsepower calculation discussed in the preceding paragraph is the theoretical power of a frictionless engine. The total horsepower lost in overcoming friction must be subtracted from the indicated horsepower to arrive at the actual horsepower delivered…
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - General p. 5-19
Chapter 5: Physics for Aviation › Heat › Heat Energy and Thermal Efficiency
much usable power is created when that heat source is used. The formula for calculating thermal efficiency is: Thermal Efficiency = Horsepower Produced ÷ Potential Horsepower in Fuel For example, consider the piston engine used in a small general aviation airplane, which…