For what purpose are torque links designed in landing gear systems?

Torque links, also known as torque arms or links, are designed primarily to preserve wheel alignment in landing gear systems. Their function is to counteract the torsional forces that act on the landing gear during landing, taxiing, and takeoff. By maintaining proper wheel alignment, torque links ensure that the wheels are able to remain oriented in the correct direction, facilitating better handling and stability of the aircraft on the ground.

When the aircraft lands or undergoes maneuvers on the runway, the forces applied to the landing gear can cause the wheels to twist or rotate in a way that could lead to issues such as uneven tire wear, impaired handling, or structural damage. Torque links are crucial in managing these forces to prevent misalignment and ensure that the landing gear operates effectively.

While other components in the landing gear system contribute to elastic deformation limits, fluid dynamics control, and overall structural integrity, it is the torque links that specifically address the need for proper wheel alignment against the dynamic forces encountered during operation.