Investigating the Impact of Runway Structural Vibrations and Randomness on Aircraft-Runway Coupling Response

• Published in: Journal of Vibration Engineering & Technologies Vol. 13; no. 7
• Main Authors: Liu, Shifu, Zhao, Jiafu, Hou, Tianxin, Ling, Jianming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Nature Singapore 01.10.2025
• Subjects: Acoustics; Control; Dynamical Systems; Engineering; Engineering Acoustics; Original Paper; Vibration; Dynamic response; Runway fatigue life; Aircraft-Runway coupling; Runway structural vibrations; Random structural parameters
• ISSN: 2523-3920; 2523-3939
• DOI: 10.1007/s42417-025-02057-4

Purpose The runway is essential for aircraft taxiing. However, traditional models often overlook the effects of runway structural vibrations and stochastic variability in structural parameters on the aircraft-runway dynamic response. Methods To address this issue, this study develops a three-dimensional aircraft-runway coupling model by integrating a six-degree-of-freedom aircraft model with a double-layer thin-plate runway model. The random variations in structural thickness, elastic modulus, subgrade stiffness, and damping, influenced by construction and environmental conditions, are incorporated to establish stochastic dynamic equations for the coupling system. The probability density evolution method is employed to analyze these stochastic effects and is validated through traditional Monte Carlo simulations. Results and Conclusions The probability density evolution method improves computational efficiency by about an order of magnitude compared to Monte Carlo simulations at equivalent accuracy. Increased International Roughness Index values lead to higher bottom strain in the coupled system. This results in a significant reduction in the runway fatigue life. At an International Roughness Index of 7.8 m/km, the coupled system’s fatigue life is approximately 12.5% shorter than the uncoupled system. Random variations in surface thickness and elastic modulus minimally affect aircraft acceleration, with a coefficient of variation < 0.01%. While pavement strain and displacement are notably influenced, with coefficients of variation reaching 3.23% and 3.94%, respectively. Subgrade vertical stiffness has the largest impact, contributing up to 9.21% variability in pavement displacement. The study underscores the importance of considering both runway structural vibrations and stochastic variability in structural parameters during runway design and maintenance.