What Are High-Pressure Strut Valves?

High-pressure strut valves are vital in the operation of landing gear systems on aircraft, managing the absorption of tremendous forces exerted during landings, takeoffs, and ground maneuvers. With these devices, aircraft can safely handle the stresses associated with typical operations without facing undue wear or risk. In this blog, we will explore the key aspects of high-pressure strut valves, including their components and functionality, as well as the challenges associated with their design, cost, and maintenance.

Before delving into high-pressure strut valves, it is first important to understand what shock struts themselves are. On aircraft, struts are critical for absorbing and dampening the shock loads experienced during landings and taxiing, ensuring force does not transfer directly to an aircraft's structure. Moreover, shock struts operate under extremely high pressure levels, often several thousand PSI, necessitating the use of internal components that can withstand such force while maintaining precise control over movement. This is where high-pressure strut valves come into play, serving as the key mechanism that manages fluid or gas within shock struts.

Central to a high-pressure strut valve's operation is its ability to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid or nitrogen gas inside the shock strut. When an aircraft touches down, the shock strut compresses as wheels make contact with the runway, absorbing energy. Inside the assembly, hydraulic fluid or nitrogen gas is forced through the high-pressure valve, which regulates flow to effectively dampen the impact on landing gear and the overall aircraft structure. As the strut extends back to its resting position after taking on impact forces, the valve continues to manage flow with a controlled rate of release to avoid any jerking or unnecessary movement.

If the strut valve fails to properly regulate pressure, the result can be overly harsh landings, which not only place unnecessary strain on an aircraft’s structure, but also compromise passenger comfort. To avoid this, the body of such devices is constructed from high-strength materials that are capable of withstanding extreme forces while maintaining durability over time. Additionally, these valves are equipped with seals that prevent fluid or gas from leaking out, remaining secure even under immense pressure.

The complexity of strut valves is further heightened by the precision required in their assembly, as even the smallest imperfection like a minute misalignment or a slight variation in material thickness can compromise the integrity of the entire system. As a result, these valves are produced using advanced techniques like computer numerical control (CNC) machining and additive manufacturing, which enable the creation of components with extremely tight tolerances and high repeatability. While important for avoiding serious safety risks, this manufacturing process can be costly due to the sophisticated technology and skilled labor required.

Aside from their initial construction, proper maintenance is essential to ensure the continued functionality of high-pressure strut valves. Maintenance procedures typically involve checking the seals for any signs of degradation, which can occur due to the extreme pressure and environmental conditions they face during operation. Additionally, aircraft personnel must continually monitor for any unusual sounds or vibrations that may indicate a problem within the shock strut system. Operators should also be vigilant in performing these regular maintenance checks, as aside from safety risks, failure to properly care for these valves can lead to costly repairs and downtime.

If you are in the market for high-pressure strut valves, shock struts, other landing gear components, or anything else for the continued operation of aircraft, we have you covered on Aero Spares Central. You can have no reservations about browsing our website, as our extensive inventory is strictly sourced from trustworthy manufacturers while being eligible for competitive pricing and rapid shipping times. This being said, feel free to request quotes on any items of interest with our online RFQ forms, as within 15 minutes of our team reviewing a submission, we will reach out with fulfillment options that are tailored to your unique specifications. To learn more about what we promise as a reliable procurement partner, get in contact with us at your convenience.