Paper number 643

DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPOSITE TORQUE LINK FOR HELICOPTER LANDING GEAR APPLICATIONS

H.G.S.J. Thuis

Structures Technology Department, Development and Evaluation, National Aerospace Laboratory, Voorsterweg 31, 8316 PR Marknesse, The Netherlands

Summary

In the framework of a composite landing gear technology programme, a composite torque link for helicopter landing gear applications was developed. The torque link was designed by finite element analysis and optimised for minimal weight. The torque link was fabricated by Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) for which a tooling concept was developed. Static tests demonstrated the load carrying capabilities in undamaged and damaged condition of the torque link since all specimens failed beyond their Design Ultimate Load level.

Keywords

integrated design and manufacturing, resin transfer moulding, composite torque links.