A QAR-Based Method for Reverse Thrust Logic Analysis of Civil Transport Aircraft

Most modern turbojet aircraft are designed with thrust reverser to improve the economy, availability and safety of the aircraft. However, if the thrust reverser is turned on at an inappropriate time, it will not only decrease the effect of the thrust reverser but also may trigger safety accidents. Therefore, the design of thrust reverser and the verification of airworthiness compliance have become the key issues of the airworthiness Bureau. However, the thrust reverser lacks the technical reserves and the development experience at home, and it will be difficult to solve the problems in technology and verification if it is completely based on the domestic independent research. Hence, the working logic of the thrust reverser of foreign aircraft types is studied, and the response of the thrust reverser in the process of wheel-load hopping is mainly focused on. Firstly, QAR (quick access recorder) data of 250,000 flights were collected and decoded for four aircraft types, including B737, B787, A320NEO and A350. Secondly, the decision condition and the samples of wheel-load hopping are defined. Then, typical scenarios are screened to analyze the response of the thrust reverser in the process of wheel-load hopping. Finally, the frequency and duration of the hopping of different types of aircraft and the response of the thrust reverser are quantified, and the statistical conclusions are drawn. This paper can provide data and theoretical support for the development and airworthiness certification of thrust reverser of civil transport aircraft.