An Air Turbine Starter (ATS) Test Bench is a specialized rig for testing aviation pneumatic starters, simulating real-world conditions to measure performance metrics like pressure, flow, speed (RPM), and torque, ensuring they meet safety and operational standards for aircraft engines, featuring dynamometers, data acquisition, and safety features like overspeed shutdown. These benches allow for automated testing, fault detection (like sparks), and verification of the starter's cutout switch, often using water brakes or eddy current brakes for load.
Key Components & Functions:
Dynamometer: A water brake or eddy current brake system applies load to the starter's output shaft, simulating engine resistance.
Instrumentation: Measures critical parameters like air pressure (inlet/outlet), temperature, flow rate (kg/s), rotational speed (RPM), and torque.
Data Acquisition: Systems record data for analysis, often automated, and include features for vibration analysis and concentricity checks.
Safety Features: Includes automated shutdown systems (like overspeed trips), physical guards, and fire suppression, vital for testing powerful, high-speed components.
Mounting Fixtures: Specialized trolleys or fixtures securely hold various aircraft starters for testing.
How it Works (Simplified):
The Air Turbine Starter (ATS) is mounted on the bench.
High-pressure air is supplied to the starter (like from a pressurized tank).
The starter engages, spinning a flywheel or load (dynamometer).
Sensors measure performance (RPM, torque, etc.) as the starter runs.
Automated systems monitor for issues (e.g., sparks, excessive speed) and trip safeties if needed.
Applications:
Testing starters for helicopters (ALH), military aircraft, and naval gas turbines.
Verifying compliance with aviation standards (AS9100, etc.).
Diagnosing faults and ensuring reliability before installation in an aircraft.