Dynamic Testing and Fatigue Analysis of the I-31P Nose Landing Gear

The landing gear is a critical safety component of any aircraft, playing a key role in managing the significant loads experienced during landing and ground maneuvers. In the case of the I-31P aircraft, a redesign of the I-23 landing gear system, required comprehensive testing to validate its performance, after change of landing gear parts manufacturer and minor updates to materials and technologies. This study focuses on the dynamic testing of the I-31P nose landing gear (NLG), particularly to assess its energy dissipation and fatigue resistance under operational conditions. Dynamic tests, performed in accordance with CS-23 standards, utilized strain gauges to monitor potential stress concentrations, especially on the half-fork design. Results demonstrated that the I-31P nose landing gear meets the required safety standards, with key performance metrics such as deflection and load factors within acceptable limits. The findings also highlighted the importance of continued monitoring for potential fatigue issues, offering valuable insights for future design enhancements.