Aircraft passenger windows
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From an engineering viewpoint, they are a real pain; it would be far better to have none. This would result in a stronger structure for a given weight (or should I say mass?). However, the SLF prefers to have a window and they buy the tickets which pay for the aircraft. Therefore, you have windows but as small as you can get away with. You also have rounded corners to prevent/mitgate against stress points in the cutout.
PM
(And then you find that there is only one manufacturer of windows in the world (I don't know for sure how many there actually are) and they only make shape X. Guess what shape you'll be fitting!)
PM
(And then you find that there is only one manufacturer of windows in the world (I don't know for sure how many there actually are) and they only make shape X. Guess what shape you'll be fitting!)
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From a pressure vessel strength view it'd be better if they were round. But to be useful (in terms of allowing light in, and seeing out) they need to be of as large an area as possible. Since the maximum width is restricted by structural concerns (spacing of the stringers) you get more area for a given width by making them a bit squarer. As a result you get the rounded/rectangle shape.
(Although some people don't do that; Gulfstream use an oval shape, pretty much as a 'trademark')
(Although some people don't do that; Gulfstream use an oval shape, pretty much as a 'trademark')
The Caravelle & Sabreliner had triangular windows - with rounded corners to aviod stress points. I think it was to give the pax a better downward view.
The Viscounts windows were huge (maybe 2ft) because of the low differential pressure. Concordes windows were very small (maybe 6ins) for the opposite reason.
The Viscounts windows were huge (maybe 2ft) because of the low differential pressure. Concordes windows were very small (maybe 6ins) for the opposite reason.
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Very insightful. Thanks guys. So is it that the actual windows are round, or just the framework/interior covering. i.e: Are the actual windows "square" but the surrounding materials being cut to the shape of the final appearance to make the "plastic" windows look like they are the same shape? In other words, are the windows as they are seen, THIS shape and slotted into place?
At which part of the process does one fit windows, and are they really made from 2 sheets of plastic both inside and out?
At which part of the process does one fit windows, and are they really made from 2 sheets of plastic both inside and out?
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The window is the shape you see, rectangular with round corners, oval, triangular with round corners or oval.
The standard window installation consists of the following:
1. A frame that is rivited in an opening that has been cut in the side of the fuselage. This is that shinny area seen around the outside edge of the window.
2. A seal that mounts inside the frame.
3. An outer pane about 3/8" thick that fits in a molded groove in the seal.
4. An inner pane about 1/4" thick that also fits in a groove in the seal.
5. Spring steel clips that lock the seal and panes in to palce. The clips are used so the entire assembly can move in the frame a small amount.
The window panes are made from stretched acrylic. Either the outer or inner pane can hold maximum cabin pressure.
The window openings are cut in the fuselage prior while it is still in the assembly stage. A tool is located on the side of the fuselage and a router is used to cut each window opening.
The standard window installation consists of the following:
1. A frame that is rivited in an opening that has been cut in the side of the fuselage. This is that shinny area seen around the outside edge of the window.
2. A seal that mounts inside the frame.
3. An outer pane about 3/8" thick that fits in a molded groove in the seal.
4. An inner pane about 1/4" thick that also fits in a groove in the seal.
5. Spring steel clips that lock the seal and panes in to palce. The clips are used so the entire assembly can move in the frame a small amount.
The window panes are made from stretched acrylic. Either the outer or inner pane can hold maximum cabin pressure.
The window openings are cut in the fuselage prior while it is still in the assembly stage. A tool is located on the side of the fuselage and a router is used to cut each window opening.
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Always love a window seat but of what use is a window to the guy/gal in seat E or F of 74 cattle class. Or C,D on a narrow body. And what the hell can you see on a night trip anyway. Since were going to seat back entertainment have a selection of outdoor views and dare I suggest it, the cockpit, and leave off with the windows. Know it would be a hard sell to the pax.
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The new B787 will have bigger windows. Anyone have
any more details on that? From what I heard thats one of the reasons
Airbus is trashing their original old A350 fuselage design.
The Comet had square windows initially. They cracked in the corners
and the fuselage broke.
M
any more details on that? From what I heard thats one of the reasons
Airbus is trashing their original old A350 fuselage design.
The Comet had square windows initially. They cracked in the corners
and the fuselage broke.
M
Last edited by XPMorten; 22nd Jul 2006 at 08:58.
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Originally Posted by Tonic Please
... and are they really made from 2 sheets of plastic both inside and out?
http://www.saint-gobain-sully.com/GB...ical/index.asp
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Originally Posted by XPMorten
Just found out the new B787 windows will be 19'' tall (48,26 cm)
M
M
They are not the biggest on a passenger jetliner. The DC-8 windows are 46 cm tall and 36 cm wide.
That said, since the B787 would have internal pressure of 6000 feet rather than 8000 which has been standard on subsonic liners, the windows must really suck.
Hi. Aircraft passenger windows are the same proportions as a sheet of A4. They found this was the strongest shape. Incidently this is where the 707 got its name. The dimensions are 2 squared divide 2. Does anyone know more about this?
Last edited by kellykelpie; 5th Aug 2006 at 20:18.
Take me downwind
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Originally Posted by glhcarl
The window openings are cut in the fuselage prior while it is still in the assembly stage. A tool is located on the side of the fuselage and a router is used to cut each window opening.
PE
