Cetim Engineering - Safran Landing Systems

Customer requirement

Characterise the bolted joints of landing gear wheels and brakes. Determine, through tests on representative components of the joints, the curve connecting the applied tightening torque and the resulting clamp force in the bolt in order to define the appropriate torque range.

The case

Landing gear wheels and brakes are critial components of an aircraft. Their bolted joints must comply with stringent requirements. One responsibility of Safran Landing Systems’ design office is to determine the optimum torque range to guarantee efficient performance. However, there is a gap between theory and practice that cannot be bridged without carrying out appropriate testing. This stems, on the one hand, from the fact that clamp force is obtained by applying a torque and, on the other hand, the fact that many factors impact the quality of tightening: materials, coatings or even the greases used. “We therefore entrust Cetim with the bolts, nuts, washers, grease and backing plate representative of the equipment in question (wheel or brake) to carry out tightening tests representative of real conditions”, explained Ludovic Wong, check engineer for wheels and brakes at Safran Landing Systems. These components are then installed on an instrumented test cell to determine the torque / clamp force relationship. Several tests are carried out over several batches of bolts for statistical analysis.

Confirmation by non-destructive testing

The results of these tests are confirmed by clamp force measurements on the real joint via an ultrasonic measurement process or stress gauges. The torque range to be applied (to achieve the desired clamp force) can thus be specified in the initial assembly and maintenance instructions. However, as soon as a specific characteristic of a bolted joint is altered, or if we need to use a new type of grease, then the test must be carried out again. Therefore, many tests are entrusted to Cetim on a regular basis. The results of these tests are highly valuable. A common database has been developed by Cetim to allow all entities of Safran to take advantage of these results. The designers of bolted joints can consult the database to view the results of the tests that have been performed. “This will guide our decisions, identify the issues faced by other entities and the solutions implemented”, disclosed Ludovic Wong.

At a glance

Cetim’s solution

Performance of tests on a broad range of joints with various bolts, backing plates, coatings, greases, etc.
Interpretation of measurements carried out in a laboratory or on real equipment to determine the optimum torque range.

As an expert in the testing of bolted joints representative of real conditions on instrumented equipment, Cetim can carry out measurements on real equipment, analyse the measurements performed in the laboratory and in the field thereby making it possible to understand phenomena and prepare tightening procedures that meet the requirements of the application.

Customer benefits

Take advantage of tightening test equipment covering a torque range from 0.1 to 10,000 N/m.

Determine the real characteristics of joints featuring bolts ranging from 0.7 mm to 42 mm in diameter.

Delivered results

The test campaigns on various types of joints carried out in a laboratory make it possible to characterise the torque / clamp force relationship and to determine the torque range that meets the design office requirements.
The test results are validated by on-site measurements on real equipment.