Which factor contributes to structural fatigue in landing gear?

Excessive repetitive loading contributes significantly to structural fatigue in landing gear. Landing gear systems undergo numerous cycles of stress each time an aircraft takes off, lands, and taxis. This process involves repeated loading and unloading, which can lead to the gradual deterioration of materials over time. The fatigue occurs because the materials experience fluctuating stress levels, leading to microscopic cracks that grow larger with each load cycle.

As the aircraft operates, these cracks can propagate, ultimately compromising the integrity of the landing gear. Such fatigue is critical to monitor, as any failure in the landing gear can have serious safety implications. Understanding how load cycles affect fatigue is crucial for maintenance planning and ensuring the safety and reliability of landing gear systems.

Other factors such as inadequate lubrication, harsh environmental conditions, and improper stowage can also impact the performance and life of landing gear, but they do not directly contribute to the structural fatigue in the same way that repeated loading does. Inadequate lubrication may lead to increased friction and wear, while environmental conditions may cause corrosion, but the fundamental issue of structural fatigue is primarily driven by how many times the gear experiences loading and unloading cycles.