Control-Based Continuation Methods for Bifurcation Characteristic Study of Landing Gear Strut Locking Mechanism

In the context of previous studies on the stability of complex landing gear mechanisms, the numerical continuation methods have exhibited a dependence on the accuracy of theoretical models. We chose the simplified mechanism of a landing gear strut locking mechanism as the research subject introduced the control-based continuation (CBC) methods. Through a feedback control system based on angle force, the unstable branches of the mechanism’s motion trajectory are transformed into stable branches. Based on this, we established a comprehensive bifurcation analysis model which incorporates both the dynamics and position control of the mechanism. This model allows for obtaining the entire motion trajectory and bifurcation points of the mechanism. We verified the accuracy and feasibility of bifurcation analysis methods of the control-based continuation by comparing the results with those obtained from numerical continuation. Finally, we analyzed the effects of different control parameters (such as bore-to-shaft clearance, installation deviation, and spring parameters) on the bifurcation characteristics of the mechanism’s motion using the control-based continuation methods.