Wing Flutter Analysis Using Computational Fluid-Structure Interaction Dynamics

Abstract

Wing flutter plays a significant role in the performance and life of lifting surfaces such as aircraft wings. It is an instability that causes the wing to no longer be capable of damping out random vibration, and it occurs at the point called the critical speed. Currently, the determination of this critical speed poses a large challenge for aircraft designers, as there is no method that can quickly calculate the conditions that will cause the wing flutter instability. This paper presents wing flutter analyses using computational fluid-structure interaction dynamics. The computed results reveal the potential speed and accuracy of the computational method, which will allow designers to rapidly determine whether their vehicle will be capable of operating safely within its design envelope.