Nonlinear dynamics analysis of a two-dimensional thin panel with an external forcing in incompressible subsonic flow

Based on the potential theory of incompressible flow and the energy method, a two-dimensional simply supported thin panel subjected to external forcing and uniform incompressible subsonic flow is theoretically modeled. The nonlinear cubic stiffness and viscous damper in the middle of the panel is considered. Transformation of the governing partial differential equation to a set of ordinary differential equations is performed through the Galerkin method. The stability of the fixed points of the panel system is analyzed. The regions of different motion types of the panel system are investigated in different parameter spaces. The rich dynamic behaviors are presented as bifurcation diagrams, phase-plane portraits, Poincaré maps and maximum Lyapunov exponents based on carefully numerical simulations.