The Theory and Prevention of Undamped Aeroplane Nosewheel Shimmy

Extract

The mathematical theory of nosewheel shimmy is given, with particular reference to twin nosewheel assemblies. It is shown that a sovereign remedy for shimmy is to make the castor length greater than what is here called the “ creep distance,” which in practice is found to be approximately equal to the tyre radius. Lateral flexibility of the oleo leg is disadvantageous but elastic constraint at the pivot is a good feature. The one necessitates an increased castor for stability while the other allows a smaller castor. It is also shown how, by the use of a compact linkage mechanism, the effective castor length can be made independent of the wheel-leg offset and can have any desired value. Model experiments that confirm the theoretical conclusions are described.