ANALYSIS OF A HELICOPTER TAIL LANDING GEAR SYSTEM FEATURING ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL FLUIDS

This study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of ER (electrorheological) and MR (magnetorheological) fluid-based landing gear systems on attenuating dynamic load and vibration due to the landing impact. First, the theoretical model for ER/MR shock struts, which are the main components of the landing gear system, is developed based on experimental data. The analysis of a telescopic type landing gear system using the ER/MR shock struts is theoretically constructed and its governing equation is derived. A sliding mode controller, designed to be robust against parameter variations and external disturbances, is formulated and controlled performance of the simulated ER/MR landing gear system is theoretically evaluated during touchdown of the aircraft.