Introduction to the basics and into the methods of Aeroelasticity. An overview of the main static and dynamic phenomena arising from the interaction between structural and aerodynamic loads.
Learning objective
The course will provide a basic physical understanding of flow-structure interaction focused on lifting bodies such as wings. You will get to know the most important phenomena in the static and dynamic aeroelasticity, as well as a presentation of the most relevant analytical and numerical prediction methods.
Content
Introduction to steady and unsteady thin airfoil theory, extension to three dimension wing aerodynamics, strip theory, overview of numerical methods available (panel methods, CFD).
Introduction to unsteady aerodynamics (theory): Theodorsen and Wagner functions. Unsteady aerodynamics observed from numerical experiments (CFD). Generation of simplified mathematical models.
Presentation of steady aeroelasticity: equations of equilibrium for the typical section, aeroelastic deformation, effectiveness of the aeroelastic system, stability (definition), divergence condition, role played by a control surface, control effectiveness, sweep angle, aeroelastic tailoring of bending-torsion coupling. Ritz model to model beams, use of FEM, modal condensation, choice of generalized coordinates.
Presentation of dynamic aeroelasticity: assessment of dynamic aeroelastic response of simple systems. Flutter kinematics (bending-twisting). Dynamic response of a simplified wing.
Numerical aeroelasticity (Test Cases extracted from the latest AIAA Aeroelastic Prediction Workshops). Generation of Reduced Order Models from CFD data (in some cases though Machine Learning).
Aeroelasticity of modern aircraft: assessment of the effects induced by the control surfaces and control systems (Aeroservoelasticity), active controlled aircraft, flutter-suppression systems, certification (EASA, FAA).
Planning and execution of Wind Tunnel experiments with aeroelastic models. Live-execution of an experiment in the WT of the ETH.
Brief presentation of phenomena like Limit-Cycle Oscillations (LCO) and panel flutter.
Lecture notes
A script in English language is available.
Literature
Bispilnghoff Ashley, Aeroelasticity Abbott, Theory of Wing sections, Y. C. Fung, An Introduction to the Theory of Aeroelasticity, Dover Phoenix Editions.
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
fostered
Techniques and Technologies
fostered
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
fostered
Media and Digital Technologies
fostered
Problem-solving
fostered
Personal Competencies
Creative Thinking
fostered
Critical Thinking
fostered
Integrity and Work Ethics
fostered
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)