The dynamics of two-dimensional cantilevered plates with an additional spring support in axial flow

In this paper, the dynamics of two-dimensional cantilevered flexible plates in axial flow is investigated using a fluid–structure interaction model. An additional spring support of either linear or cubic type is installed at various locations on the plate; its presence qualitatively affects the dynamics of the fluid–structure system. Without the spring, the cantilevered plate loses stability by flutter when the flow velocity exceeds a critical value; as the flow velocity increases further, the system dynamics is qualitatively the same: the plate undergoes symmetric limit cycle oscillations with increasing amplitude. With a linear spring, a state of static buckling is added to the dynamics. Rich nonlinear dynamics can be observed when a cubic spring is considered; the plate may be stable and buckled, and it may undergo either symmetric or asymmetric limit cycle oscillations. Moreover, when the flow velocity is sufficiently high, the plate may exhibit chaotic motions via a period-doubling route.