Utilization of Damper Systems for Nose Gear Drag Load Reduction

This paper presents investigations into utilizing damper systems on nose gear drag links to reduce drag loads into the airframe. Damper systems will be modeled on the aircraft nose drag brace and will be compared to aircraft results without damper systems. Previous results have shown damper systems reduce loads for catapult type conditions. Detailed refinement of the damping system as well as load comparisons for landing conditions are discussed below. Nose gear and airframe load comparisons are made in addition to comparisons to acceleration and displacement responses. The feasibility of such systems along with tradeoffs are also discussed.