How are Flight Data Recorders built?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction and materials used in Flight Data Recorders (FDRs), focusing on their ability to withstand extreme conditions such as high g-forces and intense heat. Participants express curiosity about specific components, materials, and design choices involved in FDR technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the specific alloys and shapes used in the internal construction of FDRs to prevent damage from crushing or penetration.
  • Questions are raised regarding the insulation materials and layering techniques used in FDRs.
  • There is curiosity about how solid-state drives (SSDs) are secured within the chassis of FDRs.
  • Another participant suggests that many of the initial questions could be answered through basic online searches.
  • A participant expresses difficulty in finding up-to-date technical documents and specific information about insulation layering and SSD security.
  • A link to a specific image and a reference to a video disassembling a smaller FDR are provided as potential resources.
  • Concerns are raised about the proprietary nature of FDR designs, leading to uncertainty about common design standards across manufacturers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specifics of FDR construction, with some expressing frustration over the lack of accessible technical information and others suggesting that basic searches could yield answers.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential proprietary nature of FDR designs, which may limit access to detailed specifications and common practices among manufacturers.

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I am curious as to the components of FDRs that allow them to sustain such g-forces and immense heat. Surely it's not just a steel box filled with paraffin wax. What alloys are used? what shapes are used in internal construction to prevent crushing/penetration? What do they insulate with and how is it layered? How is the SSD secured in the chassis? Is the chassis pieced together or cut from a single piece of metal?
I apologize for so many questions in one post, but I am genuinely curious about how these and similar pieces of technology work. I am ultimately seeking an example of the materials used and they way they are combined. Thank you for all of your help.
 
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I have, but I have yet to find technical documents or anything specific that is not outdated. I am looking for specifics, mainly on how the insulation is layered and how the SSDs are secured. I cannot find this. Please let me know where you have found it.
 
This image seems pretty specific, but I'm not sure you'll find the exact design files online since it's probably proprietary information.

https://www.aea.net/AvionicsNews/ANArchives/FlightDataRecordersJan06.pdf
upload_2016-10-13_9-35-27.png


There's also a video of a guy disassembling a smaller one for a private jet on YouTube, I assume you've seen it?
 
I saw the video but not the picture. I was afraid I would run into the 'its proprietary' thing, i guess I was hoping that there was some design commonly held as the correct way, this fairly similar between manufacturers, like car tires. Thanks for the help, I'll dig around on FAA forums I guess.
 

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