Simulation method for the dynamic characteristics of bird impact on landing gear systems

This study investigates the substantial challenges that landing gear systems face due to increased aircraft speeds and traffic volumes, focusing particularly on bird strike incidents. By utilizing the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method alongside a rigid-flexible coupling finite element model, we analyzed the dynamic characteristics of bird impacts on ten typical landing gear structures. The simulations indicated that stress peaks exceeding 1200 MPa occurred in the nose landing gear pipelines, drag brace, spring, and main landing gear pipelines post-impact, leading to severe damage and loss of functionality. The aluminum drag brace displayed deformations greater than 15 mm, which poses significant safety risks. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between peak structural deformation and bird impact speed on the main landing gear’s upper locking rod, with larger deformations inducing significant concentrated stress in the pin joints, which escalates with increased speed. Structures not directly impacted by the bird strike maintained sufficient rigidity, though certain critical areas require enhanced strength and protective measures such as reinforced panels in the design. This research provides theoretical support for designing bird strike protection in landing gear systems.