Structural dynamics centre for aircraft braking analysis

Citation

(1999), "Structural dynamics centre for aircraft braking analysis", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771aab.011

Structural dynamics centre for aircraft braking analysis

Structural dynamics centre for aircraft braking analysis

Keywords Braking systems, Dunlop Aviation

Dunlop Aviation has opened a new Structural Dynamics facility at its Coventry location. It enhances the company's capability to ensure optimised landing gear and brake performance.

As payloads of existing aircraft continue to increase and plans for 600 or even 1,000 passenger aircraft are announced, the demands made on brakes and brake control systems become critical. Dunlop Aviation considers that technology advancement in areas such as structural dynamics helps to ensure that it is the best equipped wheel and brake manufacturer to meet these demands.

Most modern commercial aircraft utilise brakes which are based on carbon/carbon heat-sink materials. This is primarily due to increased energy absorbing capability and substantial weight savings in comparison with conventional steel heat-sink brakes. However, a problem associated with all aircraft carbon brakes is vibration during taxi and landing roll-out.

This problem can sometimes lead to excessive noise and structural damage to components of the landing gear and rolling assembly. In extreme cases both aircraft safety and passenger comfort can be affected and as a result is considered a top priority issue by airframe manufacturers around the world.

To combat this problem, the investment made at Dunlop Aviation includes equipment which can be used to evaluate brake vibration problems during design, qualification or in-service programme stages.

In order to provide a detailed understanding of the interaction between components of the landing gear and brake assembly, much of the analysis capability at Dunlop Aviation is based on the use of finite element analysis methods. The analysis tools at Dunlop Aviation include PATRAN, NASTRAN, LS-DYNA 3D and MATRIX-X supported by HP C-Series workstations. LMS CADA-X is used for vibration test and data analysis.

To match this theoretical capability, the company's largest dynamometer is being upgraded to incorporate extended mechanical inertia facilities while retaining its present electrical inertia. This includes enhanced control, refined data acquisition systems and installation of complete landing gear assemblies on the test structure.

For further details contact Dunlop Aviation. Tel: +44 (0) 1203 666655. Fax: +44 (0) 1203 662294.