CFD analysis is carried out to evaluate the mean aerodynamic loads on the retractable main landing-gear of a regional transport commercial aircraft. The mean flow around the landing-gear system including doors is simulated by using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes modelling approach, the governing equations being solved with a finite volume-based numerical technique. The computational grid is automatically adapted to the time-changing geometry by means of a dynamic meshing technique, while following the deployment of the landing-gear system. The present computational modelling approach is verified to have good practical potential by making a comparison with reference experimental data provided by the Leonardo Aircraft Company aerodynamicists.
CFD Prediction of Retractable Landing Gear Aerodynamics