How do you model and simulate landing gear dynamics and loads?

1 Landing gear types and configurations

The first step in modeling and simulating landing gear dynamics and loads is to define the type and configuration of the landing gear for the aircraft. There are different types of landing gear, such as fixed, retractable, tailwheel, tricycle, tandem, or multicycle, depending on the aircraft size, weight, speed, mission, and operational environment. The configuration of the landing gear determines the number, location, orientation, and geometry of the landing gear elements, such as wheels, tires, brakes, struts, shock absorbers, actuators, and sensors. The type and configuration of the landing gear affect the aerodynamics, weight, stability, and maneuverability of the aircraft, as well as the ground clearance, footprint, and stress distribution.

2 Landing gear dynamics and loads modeling

The second step in modeling and simulating landing gear dynamics and loads is to develop a mathematical model that represents the behavior and response of the landing gear system under various conditions and scenarios. The landing gear dynamics and loads modeling involves the application of physics-based equations, such as Newton's laws, kinematics, dynamics, elasticity, friction, and damping, to describe the motion, forces, torques, stresses, strains, and deformations of the landing gear components and assemblies. The landing gear dynamics and loads modeling also requires the definition of the boundary conditions, such as the initial and final states, the input and output variables, the constraints and assumptions, and the parameters and coefficients.

4 Landing gear simulation scenarios and cases

The fourth step in modeling and simulating landing gear dynamics and loads is to define the simulation scenarios and cases that cover the range of possible situations and events that the landing gear may encounter during its life cycle. The simulation scenarios and cases include the normal and abnormal operations, such as taxiing, take-off, landing, braking, steering, skidding, bouncing, shimmying, retraction, extension, failure, and emergency. The simulation scenarios and cases also include the environmental and operational factors, such as the runway surface, slope, roughness, and condition, the wind speed, direction, and gusts, the aircraft weight, center of gravity, speed, attitude, and configuration, and the pilot inputs and actions.

5 Landing gear simulation validation and verification

The fifth step in modeling and simulating landing gear dynamics and loads is to validate and verify the accuracy and reliability of the simulation model, software, tools, scenarios, cases, data, and results. The validation and verification process involves the comparison and evaluation of the simulation output against the experimental data, empirical data, analytical data, or other sources of reference data. The validation and verification process also involves the identification and correction of any errors, discrepancies, deviations, or uncertainties in the simulation model, software, tools, scenarios, cases, data, or results. The validation and verification process ensures that the simulation meets the requirements and specifications of the landing gear design and operation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?