For tricycle landing gear, MLG slightly aft of the CG

1. Common practice and last year AMAT plane had MLG 10% of the total length behind the CG location (6in for a 5ft plane)
2. Majority of the applied loads will be carried by the MLG, goal is for the NLG to carry 10% of the load which is achieved by the 10% aft MLG placement.
3. NLG should be placed as far forward as possible
   1. Will be determined by the placement of the first bulkhead behind the propeller and motor location

Steering Mechanisms for NLG & Attachment to the Bulkhead

1. Looking at many RC forums, it seems that almost all aircraft use the mount and horn components to implement a steerable NLG
2. Very similar to what was used on the competition plane last year

 [](<https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf37YpqZrk4W8mndnjLZRrJIuu9nrs1tuWjOmGTMBdqi9YxfyIkmKg9e2aXSmcFdLRP-4QFRD_L02rus4XDd8w3yEX9N7lDEu1as934NwHiKBJpSG1N3LEcfJuzHfkU2Czrvjgw2fV_4korrEFBMgMQjJUE?key=Ws_YCGGI0hVpj_FFqaMXTA>)
 
 [](<https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcvEqRqjbfvkepT4XmZAL9p5ekQspMWcbKR3pnGc8xmhtjSAhnXkZn3vLeZP03JNr955KWZQMdSqsfQOCG9uY3oQoWlLqpNBqTX-to-8p1scQ_0ro1FYs9q8KAab8wMkXdTG8ZHN5IJQwLQTl3rWy47FHnS?key=Ws_YCGGI0hVpj_FFqaMXTA>)
 
 [](<https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfxh1tP02ARqSNnzwCYEtrWRr7xOM4l5tTtyNDdZ3yj_cDM5EpW6xGfF5C89fWSc59OmkU8U5AMNvD9Uw5cpY7GAUhX-RN-fJ72vCOqULbmZK-Tb2FmgzJEc7DWSu1xDpxmp_8zUOyvBSojxvKMUei5wX0b?key=Ws_YCGGI0hVpj_FFqaMXTA>)

4. Attachment to the bulkhead will be with a simply modeled 3D part
   1. Last years was aluminum but this years much lower mass allows for plastic instead
   2. A model can be created once the layout and structure of the inner fuselage and bulkhead is started

Bonding of aluminum Strut to the PETG component

1. PETG is a somewhat hard plastic to get a good glue hold
2. Polyurethane glue is commonly used for PETG components
   1. Devcon glue was recommended on many forums
3. Metal epoxy could also be used
   1. JB quickweld was recommended and many said it worked bonding PETG to aluminum
4. Possible sample parts could be manufactured easily to stress test different adhesion methods

Basic aluminum over carbon fiber LG for MLG

1. Biggest benefit of using carbon fiber would be a reduced mass per strength ratio
2. Would make the manufacturing process much more time consuming and challenging
   1. A mold would most likely be required to get a uniform curved shape as corners would want to be avoided
3. Aluminum can still be relatively lightweight while providing its good structural properties
4. Aluminum would better meet project goals of cheap, easy to manufacture, and easy to replace quickly in the event of damage

Rough Mass Estimation of currently modeled NLG

1. Look into possible shock absorber next week
   1. Probably not worth it due to the increased mass
2. Begin MLG design
   1. Single or separated strut
      1. Connections to the fuselage and work with aero to try and place a bulkhead close to the desired location
   2. Obtaining rough geometry and length of plane and tail for rough sizing estimate of both MLG & NLG
   3. 3D model a prototype
   4. Give rough mass estimate of MLG
3. Begin PATRAN analysis once the sizing is complete
4. Gain familiarity with Python to get exact desired LG placement