Definition
A metal panel installed around an aircraft engine to direct cooling airflow over and between the cylinders. Baffles form a sealed pathway that forces ram air from the cowling intakes down through the engine fins, ensuring even cooling of all cylinders during flight.
Plain English
A shaped metal sheet fitted around the engine that channels air where it needs to go, so every cylinder gets cooled evenly instead of some running hot while others stay cool.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft engine cooling discussions, engine inspections, and maintenance work inside the engine compartment.
Derivation
From the older English word 'baffle,' meaning to block, deflect, or check the flow of something. In engine work, the baffle blocks air from taking the easy path and forces it through the cylinder fins where the cooling actually happens.
Why Pilots Care
Correct baffling keeps cylinder heads within safe temperature limits; missing or damaged baffles can cause hot spots, reduced engine life, or in-flight overheating.
Intuition Check
Do not read baffle as meaning “confuse” here. In aircraft maintenance, a baffle is a physical part that blocks and guides flow.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic found a cracked baffle on the number three cylinder and replaced it before signing off the inspection.
Example Sentence 2
The annual inspection revealed cracked baffles that were allowing cooling air to escape instead of flowing over the rear cylinders.