The Effect of an External Supersonic Flow on the Vibration Characteristics of Thin Cylindrical Shells

Abstract

The problem is first set up, based on Reissner's shallowcylindrical-shell vibration theory and piston-theory air forces. The nature of the solution and its critical dependence on frequency are illustrated hy a simple two-mode solution. The complexity of the frequency spectrum previously noted by several authors is emphasized in the inability to choose modes of maximum coupling as is commonly done in other aeroelastic problems. Based on these results, the problem is recast in terms of the zeroair-speed frequencies. The solution is then outlined in terms of Gol'denveizer's equations for thin cylindrical shells, including mid-plane inertia, and determination of frequencies and damping of the modes as a function of the aerodynamic parameters. An example is included which illustrates the above difficulties and shows the effect of structural and aerodynamic damping. x, y, z