Optimal locations of magnetorheological fluid pockets embedded in an elastically supported honeycomb sandwich beams for supersonic flutter suppression

Abstract

In this paper, the optimal locations of finite number of embedded magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) pockets are calculated by using Single Objective Genetic Algorithm (SOGA) to suppress the supersonic flutter of an elastically supported sandwich beam with regular honeycomb interlayer. The structural formulation is based on the classical beam theory along with the Winkler-Pasternak foundation model, the MRF is modeled as a first order Kelvin-Voigt material, and the quasi-steady first order supersonic piston theory is employed to define the aerodynamic loading. The aeroelastic time response of honeycomb sandwich beams with different number of embedded MRF pockets are measured with/without foundation and flow stream under impact load. The simulation shows that by using MRF pockets in optimized locations in honeycomb sandwich structure, not only both lightness of honeycombs and variability of structural damping of MRF are considered, but also the supersonic flutter can be postponed to higher dynamic pressure compared to entirely honeycomb or MRF sandwich beams. Finally, in order to achieve the optimum compromise between mass and the flutter suppression, the best number of MR pockets along with the optimum magnetic field values in honeycomb sandwich structure is presented.