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Time-dependent reliability optimisation for retraction mechanism with multiple clearance joints under wear

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2025

Y.M. Yan Open the ORCID record for Y.M. Yan [Opens in a new window] ,
J.Y. Zhou Open the ORCID record for J.Y. Zhou [Opens in a new window] ,
T.T. Liang Open the ORCID record for T.T. Liang [Opens in a new window] ,
Y. Yin Open the ORCID record for Y. Yin [Opens in a new window] ,
H. Nie  and
X.H. Wei
Y.M. Yan
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Aerospace Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
J.Y. Zhou
Affiliation:
Shanghai Testing & Inspection Institute for Electrical Equipment Company Limited, Shanghai, China
T.T. Liang
Affiliation:
Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, College of General Aviation and Flight, Liyang, China
Y. Yin*
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Aerospace Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
H. Nie
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Aerospace Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
X.H. Wei
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Aerospace Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
*
Corresponding author: Y. Yin; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Under the coupling effect of node position deviation, joint clearance and wear factors, the complex landing gear retraction mechanism suffers from low kinematic accuracy, slow retraction performance and shortened reliable life. Addressing these issues, a time-dependent reliability analysis and optimisation design method for the kinematic accuracy of the retraction mechanism is proposed, considering the uncertainty of node position deviation, initial clearance, and dynamic multi-joint wear. Initially, a wear prediction model and a dynamic model of the retraction mechanism considering node position deviation and joint clearance are established to analyse their influence on retraction accuracy and joint wear depth. Subsequent retraction testing under various working conditions is conducted to ascertain the critical failure condition and validate the simulation model. The time-dependent kinematic accuracy reliability model, accounting for the dynamic evolution of wear clearance, is then established to assess reliability variation with retraction cycles. Finally, the reliability optimisation design focusing on hole-axis matching accuracy aims to strike a balance between accuracy cost and reliability, thereby enhancing performance and prolonging operational life.

Keywords

retraction mechanismkinematic accuracytime-dependent reliabilityjoint clearancewear
Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , First View , pp. 1 - 32
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Royal Aeronautical Society

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