A Fractographic Study of the Fatigue Failure of Aircraft Wheels
Abstract
A survey of aircraft wheel failures, and a review of the parameters involved in the qualification tests for aircraft wheels, indicated a need for accurate information concerning wheel service loading conditions in order to formulate realistic wheel fatigue test spectra. The fractographic examination of three types of wheels from modern aircraft has emphasized the significance of corrosion in the nucleation of fatigue cracks, and has indicated that landing impact loads and brake applications at high speeds may contribute to the growth of the cracks. Several types of macroscopic growth 'bands' or 'lines' that are frequently observed on the fatigue fracture surfaces of laboratory specimens and of components that have failed in service, have been cited and described. Those lines observed on the fracture surfaces of the failed wheels were correlated with crack growth during aircraft landing cycles. The derivation of fatigue crack growth rate information from these lines has facilitated the revision of wheel inspection schedules with the purpose of preventing the catastrophic failure of aircraft wheels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0715751
Entities
People
- W. Wiebe
Organizations
- National Research Council Canada