Table Of Contents
Key Points
When evaluating vibration isolation solutions for aerospace and defense applications, several critical aspects of the LORD AM-001 mount deserve particular attention:
- Compact form factor makes it ideal for space-constrained applications requiring precise vibration isolation
- Broad temperature range performance from -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C) with BTR elastomer
- Maximum static load of 3 lb (1.4 kg) per mount with linear performance characteristics
- Multiple elastomer options (BTR and BTR II) allow optimization for specific temperature and damping requirements
- Natural frequency ranges from 15-31 Hz depending on elastomer choice and loading conditions
- Proven track record in critical aerospace applications including navigation systems and sensitive electronics
The LORD AM-001 Low Profile Avionics Mount represents a critical component in aerospace and defense applications where precise vibration isolation is required in space-constrained environments. This comprehensive guide examines the mount's capabilities, specifications, and optimal implementation scenarios to help engineers make informed design decisions.
Learn everything you need to know about Parker LORD products here!
Key Technical Specifications
The LORD AM-001 mount's technical specifications form the foundation for understanding its capabilities and limitations in aerospace applications. These specifications define the operational parameters engineers must consider during the design phase.
- Maximum static load: 3 lb (1.4 kg) per mount
- Maximum dynamic input at resonance: 0.036 in (0.91 mm) D.A.
- Weight: 0.21 oz (6.0 g)
- Materials:
- Inner member: 2024-T4 aluminum
- Plate: 2024-T3 aluminum
- Metal parts finish: Chromate treated per MIL-DTL-5541, Class 1A
- Elastomer options: LORD BTR® or BTR® II Silicone
Natural frequency ranges from 17-31 Hz for BTR elastomer options and 15-25 Hz for BTR II options at rated loads.
Primary Applications
The LORD AM-001's compact design and performance characteristics make it particularly well-suited for specific aerospace and defense applications where precise vibration control is critical. Understanding these applications helps engineers determine if this mount aligns with their design requirements.
- Inertial guidance systems
- Navigation equipment
- Radar components
- Sensitive electronic equipment
- Avionics displays and controls
- Aircraft instrumentation
- Satellite communication equipment
This mount excels in applications requiring high-performance isolation in space-constrained environments.
Design Considerations
When implementing the LORD AM-001 mount, several key design factors must be evaluated to ensure optimal performance. These considerations help engineers avoid common implementation pitfalls and achieve desired isolation results.
Load Rating Considerations
The mount's performance is directly tied to proper loading conditions. Engineers should carefully evaluate:
- Static load distribution across multiple mounts
- Dynamic loading conditions
- Impact of temperature on load capacity
- Safety factors for critical applications
- Load variations during operation
Proper load calculations ensure the mount operates within its designed performance envelope.
Environmental Factors
The LORD AM-001's performance can be affected by various environmental conditions common in aerospace applications:
- Temperature range: -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C) for BTR
- Temperature range: -40°F to +300°F (-40°C to +149°C) for BTR II
- Altitude effects on elastomer performance
- Exposure to aircraft fluids and chemicals
- UV and ozone exposure
- Humidity and moisture exposure
Environmental conditions must be carefully evaluated during the design phase.
Installation Requirements
Proper installation is critical for achieving optimal performance from the AM-001 mount:
- Mounting surface requirements
- Torque specifications
- Alignment considerations
- Access requirements for maintenance
- Integration with surrounding components
- Clearance requirements for mount deflection
Following proper installation procedures ensures consistent performance and longevity.
Performance Characteristics
The LORD AM-001 mount exhibits specific performance characteristics that engineers must understand to properly implement the component in their designs. These characteristics define the mount's behavior under various operating conditions.
Dynamic Response
The mount's dynamic response characteristics include:
- Natural frequency range: 17-31 Hz (BTR)
- Natural frequency range: 15-25 Hz (BTR II)
- Transmissibility at resonance
- Isolation efficiency
- Damping characteristics
- Response to shock inputs
Understanding these characteristics enables proper application in vibration-sensitive systems.
Related: Read our Guide to Parker LORD Vibration Isolation Mounts.
Temperature Effects
Temperature significantly impacts mount performance:
- Stiffness variations with temperature
- Damping changes across temperature range
- Cold temperature performance differences between BTR and BTR II
- Heat aging effects
- Temperature cycling impact
Temperature effects must be considered when selecting between BTR and BTR II options.
Comparison with Alternative Solutions
Understanding how the LORD AM-001 compares to alternative mounting solutions helps engineers make informed decisions for their specific applications.
Advantages
The LORD AM-001 offers several key advantages:
- Compact design for space-constrained applications
- Excellent temperature range performance
- Proven reliability in aerospace applications
- Multiple elastomer options for different requirements
- Consistent performance characteristics
- High-quality materials and construction
These advantages make it particularly suitable for aerospace and defense applications.
Limitations
Engineers should also be aware of the mount's limitations:
- Maximum load capacity constraints
- Installation space requirements
- Cost considerations versus simpler solutions
- Specific maintenance requirements
- Temperature-dependent performance variations
Understanding these limitations helps ensure appropriate application.
Implementation Guidelines
Successful implementation of the LORD AM-001 mount requires attention to several key areas throughout the design and installation process.
Design Phase
During the design phase, engineers should:
- Calculate total system loads
- Determine number of mounts required
- Evaluate environmental conditions
- Consider maintenance access
- Plan for thermal expansion
- Account for maximum deflection
Proper design planning ensures optimal mount performance.
Installation Process
The installation process requires attention to:
- Surface preparation requirements
- Proper alignment procedures
- Torque specifications
- Quality control checks
- Documentation requirements
- Testing procedures
Following proper installation procedures ensures consistent performance.
Maintenance and Inspection
Regular maintenance and inspection procedures help ensure continued optimal performance of the AM-001 mount throughout its service life.
Inspection Points
Key inspection points include:
- Visual inspection of elastomer condition
- Checking for proper alignment
- Verification of mount security
- Assessment of surrounding structure
- Evaluation of performance degradation
- Documentation of findings
Regular inspections help prevent mount failures and maintain system performance.
Final Thoughts
The LORD AM-001 Low Profile Avionics Mount represents a sophisticated solution for vibration isolation in aerospace and defense applications. Its combination of compact design, broad temperature range capabilities, and proven performance characteristics makes it an excellent choice for engineers dealing with space-constrained, vibration-sensitive equipment.
Working with Modus Advanced for Aerospace and Defense Applications
Aerospace and defense projects that include vibration isolation components often require careful consideration of the entire system, including the housing and mounting structure. Modus Advanced brings particular expertise to these applications through our comprehensive approach to aerospace and defense projects.
Engineering-First Approach
Modus Advanced's engineering team, comprising over 10% of our staff, provides comprehensive technical support across all aspects of aerospace and defense projects. Our engineers work directly with customers from initial design through production, offering expertise in materials science, manufacturing processes, and system-level optimization.
This engineering-first mindset enables us to assist with critical decisions about material selection, manufacturing methods, and design optimization that can significantly impact project success.
When working with aerospace and defense customers, our engineering team provides invaluable insights into design for manufacturability, helping to identify potential issues before they become costly problems.
We understand the complex requirements of aerospace and defense applications, from material compatibility and environmental considerations to quality control and documentation requirements. This deep technical knowledge, combined with our practical manufacturing experience, helps ensure that designs move smoothly from concept to production while meeting all necessary specifications and standards.
Vertical Integration Benefits
When developing complex aerospace and defense components, traditional manufacturing approaches often require coordinating with multiple vendors for different processes, leading to extended lead times, increased shipping costs, and greater risk of quality issues or delays.
Modus Advanced's vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities eliminate these challenges by bringing critical processes under one roof, allowing us to maintain strict quality control while significantly reducing both production time and cost. This integration means customers can work with a single point of contact while having confidence that their components will meet specifications across all aspects of manufacturing.
Modus Advanced's vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities provide significant advantages for aerospace and defense projects:
- Complete in-house manufacture of housings and mounting systems
- Form-in-place gasket dispensing for environmental sealing
- EMI shielding integration
- Thermal management solutions
- Quality control across all manufacturing processes
This integration reduces lead times and ensures consistent quality across all components.
Quality and Security Standards
Our commitment to aerospace and defense requirements is demonstrated through our comprehensive certifications and standards:
- AS9100 certification
- ITAR registration
- ISO 9001 certification
- Working toward CMMC Level 2
- Strict quality control processes
These certifications ensure we meet the exacting standards required for aerospace and defense applications.
Partnership Approach
Rather than operating as a traditional supplier, Modus Advanced functions as a strategic partner in our customers' success. We engage early in the design process, providing technical insights and manufacturing expertise that help optimize designs for both performance and producibility. This collaborative approach often leads to significant improvements in design efficiency, reduced manufacturing costs, and accelerated time to market.
Our commitment to partnership extends throughout the entire project lifecycle, with ongoing support for quality improvement, process optimization, and problem resolution. We understand that aerospace and defense projects often evolve over time, and we maintain the flexibility to adapt our support as requirements change. This long-term perspective helps build lasting relationships that continue to deliver value for both parties.