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(Shock Absorbing Undercarriage... pg2)
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In a typical landing the impact drives the wheels aft. The wire
will bend to absorb much of the energy, and the rubber joint
will flex as the rear strut is driven further into the fuselage.
If the slots for the rear struts allow enough play, then this
system will also allow considerable flexing from side to side.
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WWI type aircraft will also have a “spreader bar”
that connects the two wheels. This can be added to the structure
as shown to the right. The wire axle may not be necessary, but
if you choose to make one it can be connected to the other wire
pieces with thread-wrap and epoxy. A balsa strip can then be
glued to the wire, but need not be connected to the rubber or
other struts in any way.
An alternative spreader bar can be made of wood only (no wire), and
attached to the rubber sections just as the other struts are. This
bar should be spruce, bass wood or stiff balsa, because it will have
to endure high stress.
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To the left are details of the rubber joint attachments. If the rubber
is first cleaned with acetone you’ll get a secure bond to the
epoxy. Also, be sure to leave small gaps between adjacent struts where
they attach to the rubber. This leaves room for movement when flexing.
Here’s to happy landings without damage! |
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© 2005 Small Flying Arts
All rights reserved
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