3409. Landing Gear Mass Prediction. A Combined Analytic and Parametric Approach

Publication TypeConference Paper
AuthorsHarrison, A.; Smith, S.; Kay, E.; Vekris, E.
Year of Publication2007
Paper Number3409
Conference66th Annual Conference, Madrid, Spain
Conference LocationMadrid, Spain
Paper Category22. Weight Engineering - Structural Design; 23. Weight Engineering - Structural Estimation
Pages20
Date Published5/28/2007
Price$8.00
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Key Words22. Weight Engineering - Structural Design; 23. Weight Engineering - Structural Estimation
AbstractCurrent parametric methods for landing gear mass prediction are based on relationships derived from existing aircraft and landing gear mass data. They can provide good results using minimal input and effort, although the resulting mass predictions are inherently linked to the design assumptions of legacy aircraft. Also, the methods cannot be used to perform trade studies that would be useful at early stages of the aircraft design process (e.g., landing gear mass vs. shock-absorber stroke, or vs. material choice). Analytic methods attempt to approximate the landing gear design process by calculating loads to size initial structural concepts. They require more detailed data than parametric methods and simplified structures are assumed that can exclude some important details. Also, it is difficult to predict robust values of overall gear weight from an idealized structural weight synthesized by this process. However, analytic methods can be used to perform early trade studies. This paper reviews the progress towards a combined analytic and parametric method that employs the benefits of both approaches. The analysis process starts from a set of data that would typically be available at early stages of the design process and uses an iterative sequence that aims to provide reliable predictions of landing gear mass. The method attempts to simulate the landing gear design process in enough detail to provide an early concept phase mass prediction.