Metal composite actuators for exposed high load damage tolerant landing gear

This project aims to develop light weight silicon carbide fibre reinforced hydraulic actuators for demanding high

performance applications in harsh operating environments. The project will focus on aircraft landing gear as

this has a both a demanding operating environment and loading rudiments and a requirement for lighter

systems and components to reduce CO2 emissions.

The output is targeting a 40% lighter hydraulic piston rod and actuator cylinder that is capable of meeting the

high pressures and loads required for landing gear as well as the resistance to Skydrol and typical landing gear

operating environment such as grit abrasion, runway debris and extremes of temperature.

The use of fibre-reinforced titanium will be a potential solution to the need to find alternatives to chrome and

cadmium plating systems under REACH.

TISICS is aiming to demonstrate the potential for the technology with test data produced by the highly

experienced and well-equipped facilities and staff at the AMRC in Sheffield.