Why 400hz for aircraft power?
Don't know if Tech Log would be better, but I'll give it a shot here.
Given that AC electrical power in domestic/industrial settings is either 50 or 60hz, why do aircraft generators put out power at 400hz? Is it just a function of bolting a generator onto a something rotating very fast, and it was easier to go with 400hz and produce electrics to fit? Or is maybe something to do with harmonics from 50/60hz upsetting other aircraft systems?
Seems needlessly complexity, when "off the shelf" type motors etc. that use 50/60hz could have been used instead of redesign to use 400hz. Possibly I'm barking up the wrong tree and the AC power is all converted to DC before being used anyway, so it wouldn't matter what frequency was used.
Thanks
Paul