Theoretical considerations of panel flutter at high supersonic Mach numbers.

Abstract

The general characteristics of panel flutter at high supersonic Mach numbers are examined theoretically. Linear plate theory and two-dimensional first-order aerodynamics are used. The paper attempts to clarify the important role of damping, the relationship between traveling and standing wave theories of panel flutter, and the effects of edge conditions. The solution procedures and general mathematical behavior may be of interest in other stability problems characterized by the appearance of complex eigenvalues.