Aerowerx
Well-Known Member
I have figured out how to calculate the deflection and stress in beams that have square, round, or rectangular cross sections. Both solid and hollow.
But after looking at this old thread, I am wondering how to calculate the same values for a stream lined gear leg. It appears that the method would be the same once you have the Moment of Inertia of the cross section, even for tapered legs.
I was also wondering...
As I understand it from the old thread, the gear leg core only provides the shape for the outer composite layer. Is this true? At least the attached spreadsheet makes no mention of the core properties. If you are using graphite cloth over pine, for example, how do you know that the pine core is not going to fail? Or would it matter? In general, what effect does the core material have on a "hollow" gear leg? Why not use a foam core then, after the composite cures, dissolve out the foam to have a truly hollow gear leg?
When designing such a landing gear, do you design it for a certain deflection at a certain force? Say 3 times MTOW, for example?
But after looking at this old thread, I am wondering how to calculate the same values for a stream lined gear leg. It appears that the method would be the same once you have the Moment of Inertia of the cross section, even for tapered legs.
I was also wondering...
As I understand it from the old thread, the gear leg core only provides the shape for the outer composite layer. Is this true? At least the attached spreadsheet makes no mention of the core properties. If you are using graphite cloth over pine, for example, how do you know that the pine core is not going to fail? Or would it matter? In general, what effect does the core material have on a "hollow" gear leg? Why not use a foam core then, after the composite cures, dissolve out the foam to have a truly hollow gear leg?
When designing such a landing gear, do you design it for a certain deflection at a certain force? Say 3 times MTOW, for example?
