What is the primary purpose of shock struts in landing gear?

The primary purpose of shock struts in landing gear is to absorb impact loads during landings and takeoffs. When an aircraft lands or takes off, it experiences significant forces and vibrations due to the abrupt changes in speed and altitude. Shock struts, which are generally designed as hydraulic cylinders filled with fluid and equipped with a piston, play a crucial role in managing these forces.

The fluid within the strut helps to dampen the oscillations that can occur from landing or the stresses from taxiing over uneven surfaces. By absorbing the impact loads, shock struts ensure that the forces are distributed more evenly throughout the landing gear and the airframe, protecting both the structure of the aircraft and the comfort of the passengers.

This function is essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of the aircraft during the critical phases of landing and takeoff, preventing damage and enhancing structural durability.