Academic Year 2020/2021

Aeroelasticity

Ex. 9 - Flutter of finite wings via FEM and DLM

8 January 2021

Ex. 9a: Free vibration analysis

Let us consider a cantilever rectangular cross-section beam (Fig. 1) having the following geometrical charac-
teristics: h = 0.0045 m, c = 0.15 m, L = 1.5 m. An isotropic material is adopted with E = 75 GPa, ν = 0.33,
ρ = 2700 Kg/m3 . Use a 20 B4 mesh.

Assessments

1. Evaluate the first six natural frequencies and the related modal shapes.

2. Compare the results with the following analytical formulas:

2
q
• bending, fi = ( (α2π
i L) EI
) ρAL 4 , where I is the moment of inertia, A is the cross-sectional area and

αi L = (1.87510, 4.69409, 7.85476, 10.9955, 14.1372).

q
• torsion, fi = ( (2i−1)
4L )
GJ
ρIp , where J is the torsional modulus and Ip is the polar moment of inertia.
hc
J = ch3 /3, Ip = 12 (h
2
+ c2 ).

Ex. 9b: Flutter analysis

Consider a flow density equal to 1.225 Kg/m3 . For all cases, set EDTN 4.

Assessments

1. Evaluate the flutter frequency and speed with athe following aerodynamic meshes: 2 × 4, 3 × 6, 4 × 15,
6 × 20, 8 × 25, 10 × 30.

2. Compare the results with the pk-method Matlab code based on Theodorsen. Hint: in Matlab, set m =
h*c*ρ, Ip = m/12 ∗ (h2 + c2 ) + m ∗ (c/2)2 ∗ x2θ .

Ex. 9c: effect of fiber orientation

1
 z

x
y

h/2

Figure 1: Rectangular cross-section.

EL = 132.5 GPa, ET = 10.8 GPa, EZ = 10.8 GPa, νLT = νLZ = νT Z = 0.24, GT L = GLL = GLZ =
5.7 GPa, ρ = 1800 Kg/m3 . Consider a flow density equal to 1.225 Kg/m3 . A 20 B4 mesh has to be used for
all the analyses. Set a 6 × 20 aerodynamic mesh for all analyses.

Assessments

1. θ = 0◦ and compute the flutter frequency and velocity. Compare the results with the pk-method Matlab
code based on Theodorsen. Plot damping vs velocity and frequency vs velocity.

2. Evaluate the flutter frequency and velocity for various fiber orientation angles, θ = −60◦ , −40◦ , −30◦ ,
0◦ , +20◦ , +40◦ , +60◦ . (Λ = 0◦ ).