Reduced-Order Models for Nonlinear Unsteady Aerodynamics

Abstract

Two reduced-order modeling approaches for the evaluation of nonlinear aerodynamic forces based on CFD computations are presented. These reducedorder models (ROMs) provide a means for rapid calculation of frequency-domain generalized aerodynamic forces, which can be used in traditional flutter analysis scheme, to calculate flutter characteristics about nonlinear steady flows. Two ROMs are presented, one that is based on the Volterra theory for nonlinear systems, and a new ROM that is based on step (indicial) responses. ROM kernels are identified directly from input-output relations, and the study focuses on issues of kernel identification and their effect on the quality of the ROM. First- and second-order ROMs are generated for the response of the AGARD 445.6 wing to forced-harmon ic excitation of its elastic modes. Responses computed from the ROMs are compared to responses obtained directly from a CFD analysis in which the boundary conditions are excited harmonically. Results show that the quality of the Volterra ROM is very sensitive to the amplitudes of the impulse inputs used for identification. The step-response ROM is shown to be more accurate than the Volterra ROM and less sensitive to the amplitude used for its identification.