Aviation Maintenance Terms beginning with K
Kinetic energy
Energy due to motion, defined as one half mass times velocity squared.
Kirchhoff’s Law (voltage)
A basic law of electrical currents stating that the algebraic sum of the applied voltage and the voltage drop around any closed circuit is zero
Kerosene
A light, almost colorless, hydrocarbon liquid obtained from crude oil through the fractional distillation process. Kerosene is the base for turbine engine fuel.
Kevlar
The registered trade name by DuPont for a patented aramid fiber.
Kinematic viscosity
The ratio of the absolute viscosity of a fluid to its density. Kinematic viscosity is measured in centistokes.
K-factor
A factor used in sheet metal work to determine the setback for other than a 90° bend. Setback = K ∙ (bend radius + metal thickness). For bends of less than 90°, the value of K is less than 1; for bends greater than 90°, the value of K is greater than 1.
Kevlar
A patented synthetic aramid fiber noted for its flexibility and light weight. It is to a great extent replacing fiberglass as a reinforcing fabric for composite construction.
Key (verb)
To initiate an action by depressing a key or a button.
kHz (kilohertz)
1,000 cycles per second.
Kick-in pressure
The pressure at which an unloading valve causes a hydraulic pump to direct its fluid into the system manifold.
Kick-out pressure
The pressure at which an unloading valve shuts off the flow of fluid into the system pressure manifold and directs it back to the reservoir under a much reduced pressure.
Kilogram
One thousand grams.
Kinetic energy
Energy that exists because of motion.
Knot (wood defect)
A hard, usually round section of a tree branch embedded in a board. The grain of the knot is perpendicular to the grain of the board. Knots decrease the strength of the board and should be avoided where strength is needed.
Knot (measure of speed)
A speed measurement that is equal to one nautical mile per hour. One knot is equal to 1.15 statute mile per hour.
Kollsman window
The barometric scale window of a sensitive altimeter. See barometric scale.
Koroseal lacing
A plastic lacing material available in round or rectangular cross sections and used for holding wire bundles and tubing together. It holds tension on knots indefinitely and is impervious to petroleum products.
Kraft paper
A tough brown wrapping paper, like that used for paper bags.
Kite
A framework, covered with paper, cloth, metal, or other material, intended to be flown at the end of a rope or cable, and having as its only support the force of the wind moving past its surfaces.