Simulation of Aircraft Landing Gear Dynamics Using CATIA, CATDADS, DADS and NASTRAN at Cessna Aircraft

This paper discusses how CATIA solid models of a landing gear system, combined with a NASTRAN flexible model of the aircraft are simulated using CATDADS and DADS to predict the dynamic response, loads, and general design factors for the aircraft and associated landing gears. Several landing gear design factors are predicted and quantified using DADS and CATDADS to solve the 3D nonlinear equations of motion. Position, velocity, acceleration, and gear loads are analytically determined and used to compare to physical tests. Aircraft loads due to symmetric landing and taxi conditions as well as asymmetric landing conditions are analytically determined using a full flexible aircraft model coupled with the landing gears.