A non‐linear coupled fluid–structure aeroelastic analysis of a slender bridge deck

This paper presents a new numerical methodology for the integral aeroelastic instability analysis of slender structures, based on the appropriate conjugation of an algorithm for dynamic and geometrically non‐linear analysis of structures based on the finite element method with another algorithm of computational fluid dynamics (Finite volume method). It is considered a viscous incompressible unsteady turbulent bidimensional air flow solved on a structured control volume mesh. The computer code developed on the basis of this methodology is applied to the aeroelastic study of a simply supported slender bridge deck in order to find out the critical wind velocity leading to instability. Some of the most significant results associated with the analysis of the corresponding aeroelastic behaviour are presented. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An aeroelastic model for composite rotor blades with straight and swept tips. Part I: Aeroelastic stability in hover

An analytical model for predicting the aeroelastic behavior of composite rotor blades with straight and swept tips is presented. The blade is modeled by beam type finite elements along the elastic axis. A single finite element is used to model the swept tip. The non-linear equations of motion for the finite element model are derived using Hamilton's principle and based on a moderate deflection theory and accounts for: arbitrary cross-sectional shape, pretwist, generally anisotropic material behavior, transverse shears and out-of-plane warping. Numerical results illustrating the effects of tip sweep, anhedral and composite ply orientation on blade aeroelastic behavior are presented. It is shown that composite ply orientation has a substantial effect on blade stability. At low thrust conditions, certain ply orientations can cause instability in the lag mode. The flap-torsion coupling associated with tip sweep can also induce aeroelastic instability in the blade. This instability can be removed by appropriate ply orientation in the composite construction.     

An efficient implementation of aeroelastic tailoring based on efficient computational fluid dynamics-based reduced order model

Current and future trends in the aerospace industry leverage on the potential benefits provided by lightweight materials that can be tailored to realize desired mechanical characteristics when loaded. For aircraft design, the deployment of aeroelastic tailoring is hindered by the need to re-compute, for any possible modification of the structure, the dependence of the aerodynamic field on the underlying structural properties. To make progress in this direction, the work presents a rapid computational fluid dynamics based aeroelastic tool which is built around a reduced order model for the aerodynamics that is updated for any modification of the structure by using the structural dynamics reanalysis method. The aeroelastic tailoring tool is demonstrated in transonic flow for the AGARD 445.6 wing, suitably modified with composite materials. It was found that the proposed method provides accurate engineering predictions for the aeroelastic response and stability when the structure is modified from the baseline model.     

Parametric active aeroelastic control of a morphing wing using the receptance method

This study proposes the parametric active aeroelastic control of a folding wing, which is a promising concept of morphing wings, by integrating the parameterized aeroservoelastic model and the receptance-based control strategy. It starts with establishing the parameterized aeroservoelastic model of the folding wing with respect to its folding angle and air speed. The transfer functions between the embedded sensors and the actuators of the folding wing are then efficiently obtained using the parameterized aeroservoelastic model. Finally, control gains for varying folding angle and air speed of the wing are synthesized using the receptance method. The results of numerical analyses show that smooth evolutions of the control gains can be obtained over a wide range of folding angles and air speeds, although the dynamic behavior of the folding wing is sensitive to these parameters. In addition, the active aeroelastic control can effectively suppress aeroelastic vibrations and expand flutter boundaries of the folding wing. The benefit of the parametric active aeroelastic control for the folding wing, i.e., smoothly switching among the control laws without exciting undesirable vibrations is highlighted.     

Evaluation of linear,inviscid, viscous,and reduced-order modelling aeroelastic solutions of the AGARD 445.6 wing using root locus analysis

Reduced-order modelling (ROM) methods are applied to the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-based aeroelastic analysis of the AGARD 445.6 wing in order to gain insight regarding well-known discrepancies between the aeroelastic analyses and the experimental results. The results presented include aeroelastic solutions using the inviscid Computational Aeroelasticity Programme–Transonic Small Disturbance (CAP-TSD) code and the FUN3D code (Euler and Navier–Stokes). Full CFD aeroelastic solutions and ROM aeroelastic solutions, computed at several Mach numbers, are presented in the form of root locus plots in order to better reveal the aeroelastic root migrations with increasing dynamic pressure. Important conclusions are drawn from these results including the ability of the linear CAP-TSD code to accurately predict the entire experimental flutter boundary (repeat of analyses performed in the 1980s), that the Euler solutions at supersonic conditions indicate that the third mode is always unstable, and that the FUN3D Navier–Stokes solutions stabilize the unstable third mode seen in the Euler solutions.     

Effect of thrust on the aeroelastic instability of a composite swept wing with two engines in subsonic compressible flow

This paper aims to investigate aeroelastic stability boundary of subsonic wings under the effect of thrust of two engines. The wing structure is modeled as a tapered composite box-beam. Moreover, an indicial function based model is used to calculate the unsteady lift and moment distribution along the wing span in subsonic compressible flow. The two jet engines mounted on the wing are modeled as concentrated masses and the effect of thrust of each engine is applied as a follower force. Using Hamilton's principle along with Galerkin's method, the governing equations of motion are derived, then the obtained equations are solved in frequency domain using the K-method and the aeroelastic instability conditions are determined. The flutter analysis results of four example wings are compared with the experimental and analytical results in the literature and good agreements are achieved which validate the present model. Furthermore, based on several case studies on a reference wing, some attempts are performed to analyze the effect of thrust on the stability margin of the wing and some conclusions are outlined.     

基于边界元方法的气动弹性降阶模型及仿真

传统气动弹性的时域计算耗费了大量时间,为了提高计算效率,本文发展了基于边界元方法的降阶模型技术。首先基于边界元方法建立非定常流场的求解模型,结合特征值分析技术建立了非定常气动力的低阶模型;然后,利用边界元方法建立了气动网格和结构网格之间的信息转换矩阵;最后将非定常气动力降阶模型和结构动力学方程联合,建立了气动弹性系统的低阶状态空间模型。将所发展的降阶模型方法应用于NACA0012翼型的非定常气动力求解中,结果表明降阶模型可以在保证原系统计算精度的同时提高了计算效率;将降阶模型技术应用到三维机翼的气动弹性响应计算中,在系统阶数仅为12阶的情况下可以得到与原系统一致的极限环响应,说明降阶模型技术在求解气动弹性问题中的巨大优势。     

Power extraction from aeroelastic limit cycle oscillations

Nonlinear limit cycle oscillations of an aeroelastic energy harvester are exploited for enhanced piezoelectric power generation from aerodynamic flows. Specifically, a flexible beam with piezoelectric laminates is excited by a uniform axial flow field in a manner analogous to a flapping flag such that the system delivers power to an electrical impedance load. Fluid–structure interaction is modeled by augmenting a system of nonlinear equations for an electroelastic beam with a discretized vortex-lattice potential flow model. Experimental results from a prototype aeroelastic energy harvester are also presented. Root mean square electrical power on the order of 2.5 mW was delivered below the flutter boundary of the test apparatus at a comparatively low wind speed of 27 m/s and a chord normalized limit cycle amplitude of 0.33. Moreover, subcritical limit cycles with chord normalized amplitudes of up to 0.46 were observed. Calculations indicate that the system tested here was able to access over 17% of the flow energy to which it was exposed. Methods for designing aeroelastic energy harvesters by exploiting nonlinear aeroelastic phenomena and potential improvements to existing relevant aerodynamic models are also discussed.     

基于气动力降阶模型的跨音速气动弹性稳定性分析

基于离散型输入输出差分模型,运用非定常CFD方法训练信号,然后运用最小二乘方法进行参数辨识,得到降阶的非定常气动力模型,再将该离散差分模型转换为连续时间域内的状态方程。耦合气动状态方程和结构状态方程,得到耦合系统的气动弹性状态方程。求解不同动压下状态矩阵的特征值,根据根轨迹图分析系统的稳定性特性。分析结果与直接耦合CFD/CSD方法结果相吻合,可以计算跨音速非线性气动弹性问题。其计算效率比直接耦合CFD/CSD方法提高1~2个数量级。针对Isogai wing在跨音速出现的S型颤振边界进行了较为细致的分析,阐述了该现象是由于系统诱发颤振的分支随着速度(来流动压)的提高而发生转移所导致的。     

考虑几何非线性的复合材料机翼气动弹性分析

本文研究结构几何非线性与气动力非平面效应对大展弦比复合材料机翼的气动弹性行为的影响．将非线性有限元法与曲面涡格法结合，计算机翼静气动弹性变形；通过曲面偶极子格网法结合静气动弹性平衡位置处的结构切线刚度，建立气动弹性方程并求解得到机翼颤振速度．针对板模型机翼，分析了迎角对机翼几何非线性气动弹性特性的影响．结果表明：本文复合材料板模型机翼的颤振形式不受水平弯曲模态影响，属于经典弯扭颤振；在几何非线性的影响下，机翼扭转频率随结构变形增大而明显减小，颤振速度随迎角增大而减小．     

非对称铺层复合材料层合板质量优化设计

复合材料广泛应用于航空航天等领域,追求轻量化设计已经成为研究重点。对复合材料层合板质量优化设计,可以减少层合板的纤维用量,减小层合板的质量,降低成本。首先研究复合材料层合板在承受轴向载荷时,产生的形变量、应力示意图,分析容易发生失效部位;以层合板铺层厚度为设计变量,最大应变、铺层比例等为约束条件,最小化层合板质量为优化目标,对碳纤维复合材料层合板铺层厚度等设计变量进行优化,利用强度理论对优化结果进行校核,结合力学试验对比分析优化前后层合板力学性能。结果表明:碳纤维复合材料层合板经过优化后,总质量减轻约16.7%,优化后的层合板满足复合材料强度理论,实验结果与软件仿真具有一致性,说明优化方法是合理可靠的。     

Nonlinear dynamics of an aeroelastic airfoil with free-play in transonic flow

Nonlinear dynamic behaviors of an aeroelastic airfoil with free-play in transonic air flow are studied. The aeroelastic response is obtained by using time-marching approach with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and reduced order model (ROM) techniques. Several standardized tests of transonic flutter are presented to validate numerical approaches. It is found that in time-marching approach with CFD technique, the time-step size has a significant effect on the calculated aeroelastic response, especially for cases considering both structural and aerodynamic nonlinearities. The nonlinear dynamic behavior for the present model in transonic air flow is greatly different from that in subsonic regime where only simple harmonic oscillations are observed. Major features of the responses in transonic air flow at different flow speeds can be summarized as follows. The aeroelastic responses with the amplitude near the free-play are dominated by single degree of freedom flutter mechanism, and snap-though phenomenon can be observed when the air speed is low. The bifurcation diagram can be captured by using ROM technique, and it is observed that the route to chaos for the present model is via period-doubling, which is essentially caused by the free-play nonlinearity. When the flow speed approaches the linear flutter speed, the aeroelastic system vibrates with large amplitude, which is dominated by the aerodynamic nonlinearity. Effects of boundary layer and airfoil profile on the nonlinear responses of the aeroelastic system are also discussed.     

Convergence predictions for aeroelastic calculations of tuned and mistuned bladed disks

Mistuning changes the dynamics of bladed disks significantly. Frequency domain methods for predicting the dynamics of mistuned bladed disks are typically based on iterative aeroelastic calculations. Converged aerodynamic stiffness matrices are required for accurate aeroelastic results of eigenvalue and forced response problems. The tremendous computation time needed for each aerodynamic iteration would greatly benefit from a fast method of predicting the number of iterations needed for converged results. A new hybrid technique is proposed to predict the convergence history based on several critical ratios and by approximating as linear the relation between the aerodynamic force and the complex frequencies (eigenvalues) of the system. The new technique is hybrid in that it uses a combined theoretical and stochastic/computational approach. The dynamics of an industrial bladed disk is investigated, and the predicted convergence histories are shown to match the actual results very well. Monte Carlo simulations using the new hybrid technique show that the aerodynamic ratio and the aerodynamic gradient ratio are the two most important factors affecting the convergence history.     

Geometrically non-linear dynamics of composite four-bar mechanisms

This work intends to demonstrate the importance of a geometrically nonlinear cross-sectional analysis of certain composite beam-based four-bar mechanisms in predicting system dynamic characteristics. All component bars of the mechanism are made of fiber reinforced laminates and have thin rectangular cross-sections. They could, in general, be pre-twisted and/or possess initial curvature, either by design or by defect. They are linked to each other by means of revolute joints. We restrict ourselves to linear materials with small strains within each elastic body (beam). Each component of the mechanism is modeled as a beam based on geometrically non-linear 3-D elasticity theory. The component problems are thus split into 2-D analyses of reference beam cross-sections and non-linear 1-D analyses along the three beam reference curves. For the thin rectangular cross-sections considered here, the 2-D cross-sectional non-linearity is also overwhelming. This can be perceived from the fact that such sections constitute a limiting case between thin-walled open and closed sections, thus inviting the non-linear phenomena observed in both. The strong elastic couplings of anisotropic composite laminates complicate the model further. However, a powerful mathematical tool called the Variational Asymptotic Method (VAM) not only enables such a dimensional reduction, but also provides asymptotically correct analytical solutions to the non-linear cross-sectional analysis. Such closed-form solutions are used here in conjunction with numerical techniques for the rest of the problem to predict multi-body dynamic responses more quickly and accurately than would otherwise be possible. The analysis methodology can be viewed as a three-step procedure: First, the cross-sectional properties of each bar of the mechanism is determined analytically based on an asymptotic procedure, starting from Classical Laminated Shell Theory (CLST) and taking advantage of its thin strip geometry. Second, the dynamic response of the non-linear, flexible four-bar mechanism is simulated by treating each bar as a 1-D beam, discretized using finite elements, and employing energy-preserving and -decaying time integration schemes for unconditional stability. Finally, local 3-D deformations and stresses in the entire system are recovered, based on the 1-D responses predicted in the previous step. With the model, tools and procedure in place, we identify and investigate a few four-bar mechanism problems where the cross-sectional non-linearities are significant in predicting better and critical system dynamic characteristics. This is carried out by varying stacking sequences (i.e. the arrangement of ply orientations within a laminate) and material properties, and speculating on the dominating diagonal and coupling terms in the closed-form non-linear beam stiffness matrix. A numerical example is presented which illustrates the importance of 2-D cross-sectional non-linearities and the behavior of the system is also observed by using commercial software (I-DEAS + NASTRAN + ADAMS).     

基于连续丝束剪切技术的变角度复合材料层合板的热屈曲分析

连续丝束剪切(Continuous Tow Shearing, CTS)铺放技术是一种新的变角度层合板制作技术，这种新技术能显著减少丝束铺放过程中产生的丝束重叠和间隙等缺陷，然而，采用CTS技术铺设时，层合板的厚度将随着纤维角度的变化而变化．本文基于一阶剪切变形理论并应用Chebyshev-Ritz法对这种变厚度的变角度复合材料层合板的热屈曲问题进行了研究．假设纤维方向角沿板的长度方向按照线性变化，获得了均匀温度变化时变厚度层合板的临界热屈曲荷载．通过与现有文献的比较验证了本文方法的正确性，并进一步讨论了纤维铺设技术、纤维方向角的变化以及边界条件的不同对变角度复合材料层合板的临界屈曲温度的影响．研究结果表明，在体积相同的情况下，采用CTS铺设较传统的自动丝束铺放(AFP)可以进一步提升变角度层合板的临界屈曲温度．本文的研究结果可为变角度复合材料的设计提供一定的参考．     

Analytical formulation of 2-D aeroelastic model in weak ground effect

This paper deals with the aeroelastic modeling and analysis of a 2-D oscillating airfoil in ground effect, elastically constrained by linear and torsional springs and immersed in an incompressible potential flow (typical section) at a finite distance from the ground. This work aims to extend Theodorsen theory, valid in an unbounded flow domain, to the case of weak ground effect, i.e., for clearances above half the airfoil chord. The key point is the determination of the aerodynamic loads, first in the frequency domain and then in the time domain, accounting for their dependence on the ground distance. The method of images is exploited in order to comply with the impermeability condition on the ground. The new integral equation in the unknown vortex distribution along the chord and the wake is solved using asymptotic expansions in the perturbation parameter defined as the inverse of the non-dimensional ground clearance of the airfoil. The mathematical model describing the aeroelastic system is transformed from the frequency domain into the time domain and then in a pure differential form using a finite-state aerodynamic approximation (augmented states). The typical section, which the developed theory is applied to, is obtained as a reduced model of a wing box finite element representation, thus allowing comparison with the corresponding aeroelastic analysis carried out by a commercial solver based on a 3-D lifting surface aerodynamic model. Stability (flutter margins) and response of the airfoil both in frequency and time domains are then investigated. In particular, within the developed theory, the solution of the Wagner problem can be directly achieved confirming an asymptotic trend of the aerodynamic coefficients toward the steady-state conditions different from that relative to the unbounded domain case. The dependence of flutter speed and the frequency response functions on ground clearance is highlighted, showing the usefulness of this approach in efficiently and robustly accounting for the presence of the ground when unsteady analysis of elastic lifting surfaces in weak ground effect is required.     

Linear and nonlinear aeroelastic analysis frameworks for cable-supported bridges

Based on the general framework of the linear thin airfoil theory, aeroelastic analysis of bridges has evolved over the last few decades in both time and frequency domains. As the bridge span increases, aeroelastic forces exerted on the evolving bridge deck cross-sections exhibit a clear departure from the linearized analysis framework that have been the basis of conventional schemes. This trend and observations of nonlinearity in the bridge aeroelasticity in wind-tunnel experiments have prompted the need for the development of a new general analysis framework attentive to both linear and nonlinear wind-bridge interactions. In this paper, the existing conventional linear and nonlinear analysis frameworks are first systematically reviewed with a focus on the study of the relationships among them. After analyzing the shortcomings of these conventional frameworks, two advanced nonlinear models, i.e., artificial neural network- (ANN-) and Volterra series-based models are introduced. The important parameters of conventional and advanced models are investigated in detail to emphasize the physical significance of these models in the simulation of the wind-bridge interactions. Application examples of the linear and nonlinear schemes are also presented highlighting the aeroelastic effects under smooth/turbulent wind conditions.     

Parametric aeroelastic modeling based on component modal synthesis and stability analysis for horizontally folding wing with hinge joints

To investigate the aeroelastic stability of a folding wing effectively, a parametric aeroelastic analysis approach is proposed. First, the fixed interface component modal synthesis is used to derive the structural dynamic equation for a folding wing, in which the elastic connection is considered. The unsteady aerodynamic model is established by the doublet lattice method (DLM), and the aeroelastic model is achieved from integration of the DLM with the component modal analysis. The generalized aerodynamic influence coefficient matrix is established by modes kept and constraint modes of each component. The aeroelastic stability of a folding wing is investigated based on the Gram matrix in control theory. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified via comparison with traditional flutter eigenvalue analysis for both extended and folded configurations. The proposed method identifies coupled modes and improves computational efficiency when compared to classical aeroelastic stability analysis methods, such as the p–k method.     

Reduced order nonlinear aeroelasticity of swept composite wings using compressible indicial unsteady aerodynamics

Nonlinear dynamic aeroelasticity of composite wings in compressible flows is investigated. To provide a reasonable model for the problem, the composite wing is modeled as a thin walled beam (TWB) with circumferentially asymmetric stiffness layup configuration. The structural model considers nonlinear strain displacement relations and a number of non-classical effects, such as transverse shear and warping inhibition. Geometrically nonlinear terms of up to third order are retained in the formulation. Unsteady aerodynamic loads are calculated according to a compressible model, described by indicial function approximations in the time domain. The aeroelastic system of equations is augmented by the differential equations governing the aerodynamics lag states to derive the final explicit form of the coupled fluid-structure equations of motion. The final nonlinear governing aeroelastic system of equations is solved using the eigenvectors of the linear structural equations of motion to approximate the spatial variation of the corresponding degrees of freedom in the Ritz solution method. Direct time integrations of the nonlinear equations of motion representing the full aeroelastic system are conducted using the well-known Runge–Kutta method. A comprehensive insight is provided over the effect of parameters such as the lamination fiber angle and the sweep angle on the stability margins and the limit cycle oscillation behavior of the system. Integration of the interpolation method employed for the evaluation of compressible indicial functions at any Mach number in the subsonic compressible range to the derivation process of the third order nonlinear aeroelastic system of equations based on TWB theory is done for the first time. Results show that flutter speeds obtained by the incompressible unsteady aerodynamics are not conservative and as the backward sweep angle of the wing is increased, post-flutter aeroelastic response of the wing becomes more well-behaved.