Computational aeroelasticity challenges and resources

Abstract

In the past decade, there has been much activity in the development of computational methods for the analysis of unsteady transonic aerodynamics about airfoils and wings. Significant features are illustrated which must be addressed in the treatment of computational transonic unsteady aerodynamics. The flow regimes for an aircraft on a plot of lift coefficient vs. Mach number are indicated. The sequence of events occurring in air combat maneuvers are illustrated. And further features of transonic flutter are illustrated. Also illustrated are several types of aeroelastic response which were encountered and which offer challenges for computational methods. The four cases illustrate problem areas encountered near the boundaries of aircraft envelopes, as operating condition change from high speed, low angle conditions to lower speed, higher angle conditions.