Material and Processing Requirements for Tubular Landing Gear Spring

The landing gear weight of a light, 4-place, commercial airplane was reduced 20 lb when the conventional flat leaf spring was replaced with a tubular type spring. The surface conditions of seamless tubing used as a spring can induce both impact and fatigue stress risers. These stress risers were alleviated by establishing rigid material requirements, improved fabricating and processing practices, and developing additional nondestructive testing procedures. An extensive testing program proved that the resultant tubular landing gear spring was serviceable as a replacement at a substantial weight savings.