Why Jet Engines Swallow Birds: The Chicken Gun Test Explained

Have you ever wondered how aircraft engines survive colliding with birds at 500 mph? In this deep dive into aviation safety, we explore the extreme engineering behind 'Bird Strike Testing.' Before a jet engine is certified for commercial flight, it must survive a brutal bombardment from a specialized compressed-air device known as the 'Chicken Gun.'

Bird strikes are a major threat to aviation safety, capable of destroying turbine blades and causing catastrophic engine failure. To mitigate this, manufacturers like Rolls-Royce, GE Aviation, and Pratt & Whitney subject their engines to rigorous ground tests. This involves firing standardized gelatin projectiles or actual bird carcasses directly into the spinning fan blades at takeoff speeds.

In this video, we visualize the physics of the impact, the composite materials designed to flex under pressure, and the containment systems that ensure shrapnel doesn't penetrate the fuselage. Witness the mesmerizing slow-motion science of impact dynamics and learn why these destructive tests are crucial for your safety in the skies.

From the setup of high-speed Phantom cameras to the aftermath of the collision, we cover every step of this explosive certification process. It is a perfect blend of physics, mechanical engineering, and brute force testing.

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