TURNING FORCES DEVELOPED BY A PNEUMATIC TIRE OPERATING IN SOILS, WITH APPLICATION TO VEHICLE DESIGN CRITERIA

摘要

With increased emphasis upon the developn1ent of short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft operating on unprepared soil runways, it has becon1e necessary to better define turning performance of a pneumatic tire on soil runways. The turned tire forces influence many aspects of aircraft operation. The forces may exceed the design limits of the landing gear structure. If the structure is strong enough, the increased drag during the turn may exceed the thrust capability of the aircraft. If the vehicle has both structural and propulsive capability to turn through the soil, will the turn require a field width greater than that available? Therefore, the capability to turn in soil, regardless of whether aircraft turning is generated by a turned tire or by differential thrust or braking, greatly influences not only aircraft design but airfield selection.