Weston Aerospace

Weston Aerospace, specialists in instrumentation which provides information for both military and civil Aircraft, looked to the expertise of VAC when they required acoustic havens for their test equipment.

The project involved two parts. Firstly the temperature probes and speed sensors produced by Weston Aerospace undergo rigorous vibration testing in purpose made vibration chambers. The noise associated with this procedure is in excess of 110db, which needed to be reduced due to the location of the chambers within the factory.

VAC produced an acoustic haven which incorporated 5 test cells and a large technical working area. The noise outside the vibration area was reduced from 110db down to a more acceptable 65/70db, with the havens being built on site.

The second phase of the project involved two acoustic havens for testing aero engine speed sensors mounted adjacent to rotors. The rotors revolve at 55000 rpm making the process highly dangerous if breakages occur.

VAC had to provide armour plated test cells with the same noise level reductions as before. The two cells were constructed using 15mm thick armour plated steel, with a central technical working area between both havens.

The overall project is a good example of VAC, and Mansfield Pollards total solution. The company acted as consultant, designer and contractor, making this a true design and build project.