Modeling and Simulation of Aircraft Motion on the Ground: Part I. Derivation of Equations of Motion

Developed in these two series of paper is a complex dynamic model representing the motion of aircraft on the ground and a computer program for numerical simulation. The first part of paper presents the theoretical derivation of equations of motion of the landing gear system based on the physical principle. Developed model is 'structured' in the sense that the undercarriage system is regarded as an assembly of strut, tire, and wheel, where each component is modeled by a separate module. These modules are linked with two external modules-the aircraft and the runway characteristics-to carry out dynamic analysis and numerical simulation of the aircraft motion on the ground. Three sets of coordinate system associated with strut, wheel/tire and runway are defined, and external loads to each component and response characteristics are examined. Lagrangian formulation is used to derive the undercarriage equations of motion relative to the moving aircraft, and the resultant forces and moments from the undercarriage are transformed to aircraft body axes.