Design and dynamic analysis of landing gear system in vertical takeoff and vertical landing reusable launch vehicle

Abstract

Landing gear system is a key part of the implementation of reusable vertical takeoff and vertical landing launch vehicle, where its buffing performance is directly related to the vehicle whether it can land safely or stably. According to the reusable launch vehicle general scheme, outrigger landing legs are designed, and the hydraulic absorber is used for the landing gear system. Meanwhile, a scaling principle prototype of landing gear system is developed, and the landing impact test is carried out. A dynamic simulation model of the landing vehicle has been set up, researching the influence of parameters, such as the horizontal velocity, initial inclination, surface friction coefficient, and pitch angular velocity on the landing performance. Four kinds of extreme conditions are identified, and dynamic response characteristics of landing system under each extreme condition are conducted. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The buffing performance of the vehicle meets the design requirements, which provides a reference for the design of landing gear system of the vehicle.