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Drop Test Simulations of Composite Leaf Spring Landing Gears

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Abstract

This paper deals with the investigation of the static and dynamic behaviors of composite leaf spring landing gears during the landing phase of an aircraft. An accurate simulation of the overall landing gear mechanism needs to be performed in order to evaluate the forces that result on the fuselage during the impact of the aircraft on the ground. Thus, a model of the leaf spring landing gear was built through the Finite Element Method (FEM), and then its motion was analyzed with a Multibody Simulation (MBS). The results show the force transmitted to the fuselage by straight and curved leaf springs. Different values of thickness and materials were taken into account, in order to evaluate design sensitivities. In conclusion, the relationship between the geometry and material characteristics of the composite landing gear and the force on the fuselage is highlighted in graphs and tables, which can be used for future design and developments of landing gear systems.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mul² Group, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Torino, Italy

    A. Pagani, R. Augello, G. Governale & A. Viglietti

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  1. A. Pagani
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  2. R. Augello
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  3. G. Governale
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  4. A. Viglietti
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Correspondence to A. Pagani.

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Pagani, A., Augello, R., Governale, G. et al. Drop Test Simulations of Composite Leaf Spring Landing Gears. Aerotec. Missili Spaz. 98, 63–74 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42496-018-00005-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42496-018-00005-y

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