Fluid-structure coupled analysis of tandem 2D elastic panels

The aeroelastic characteristics of tandem positioned two-dimensional elastic panels have been numerically investigated. High-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics and Computational Structural Dynamics (CFD/CSD) methods have been used to simulate the aeroelastic interactions between the panels. Moreover, a CFD-based reduced order model is established through system identification method for auxiliary analyses. The results indicate strong fluid-mediated interactions between the adjacent panels. At low supersonic speeds, affected by the self-sustained vibration of upstream panel, the downstream panel exhibits the characteristics of forced vibration state for some parameter ranges where the flutter should occur. Beyond these parameter ranges, the vibration frequency of downstream panel gradually departs from the wake flow frequency and coincides with the flutter frequency of its isolated state, exhibiting the characteristics of limit cycle flutter. At high subsonic speeds, the aeroelastic response of downstream panel has a stabilizing effect on the upstream panel, and increases the dynamic stability of the entire tandem panels system. The aeroelastic behavior of the adjacent panels may enlighten a new perspective on the flutter control of the shell structures. (C) 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The aeroelastic characteristics of tandem positioned two-dimensional elastic panels were investigated numerically, revealing strong fluid-mediated interactions between adjacent panels. The study found that at low supersonic speeds, the self-sustained vibration of the upstream panel affects the downstream panel, while at high subsonic speeds, the aeroelastic response of the downstream panel increases the dynamic stability of the entire system.