Bifurcation Analysis of Single-Bay Supersonic Panels Using Preflutter Output Data

Abstract

This paper investigates an output-based approach for flutter bifurcation analysis of single-bay panels in supersonic flow. The approach leverages bifurcation forecasting, a class of methods to predict bifurcation diagrams using prebifurcation output data. This work is the first study into this approach applied to panel limit-cycle oscillations, building on previous efforts focused on geometrically nonlinear wings and propeller–nacelle systems. The study uses output data from transient simulations of single-bay panels at as few as two preflutter dynamic pressures, which are selected using an eigenvalue-based criterion that ensures consistent prediction accuracy across panel configurations. The approach captures the bifurcation type and amplitude variation of limit-cycle oscillations around the flutter point for a variety of materials, boundary conditions, thermal loads, and cross-stream curvatures. This approach can facilitate nonintrusive panel limit-cycle oscillation analyses for parametric studies and design.