Theoretical study on the instability mechanism of flutter generated on a cantilevered flexible plate in three-dimensional uniform flow

Abstract

The flutter of a thin flexible plate in uniform flow is an interesting theoretical problem in fluid–structure interaction phenomena, as well as an important engineering problem. Therefore, understanding of the instability mechanism is crucial to preventing fatal defects caused by the flutter. In this study, the instability mechanism of a flexible plate in three-dimensional uniform flow is investigated in terms of the energy transfer between the plate motion and fluid flow. A theoretical aerodynamic model of the plate is developed using the unsteady lifting surface theory and linear beam theory. The aerodynamic stability of the plate is investigated by eigenvalue analysis. The developed model is validated by comparison with previous experimental results and other theoretical models. Furthermore, to understand the instability mechanism, the work done by the fluid force on the plate surface is determined, and its influence on the stability of the system is examined.