Aeroelastic analysis of transonic flutter with CFD-based reduced-order model

• Grant number: 22/01397-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): February 28, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Aerodynamics
• Principal Investigator: João Luiz Filgueiras de Azevedo
• Grantee: Ana Cristina Neves Carloni
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa. Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA). Ministério da Defesa (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07375-0 - CeMEAI - Center for Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Aeroelastic systems are the coupling of an aerodynamic with a dynamic-structural system. Traditional aeroelastic analysis carries out an iterative process between these systems, whereby parametric and flight condition variations necessarily demand the repetitive use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. However, such approach is currently prohibitive in terms of computational cost for real-world engineering applications which consider multiple structural modes. A strategic alternative to overcome these challenges is reduced-order models (ROMs), which consist of simplified mathematical models that essentially capture the prevailing dynamics of the aeroelastic system. There is interest in ROMs development due to their capacity to reduce the computational cost significantly. In particular, this is accomplished through methods based on the identification of aerodynamic transfer functions by simultaneously applying motions defined as orthogonal functions. By design, its mathematical representation is suitable for preliminary and multidisciplinary project purposes. Fluid-structure interaction relies heavily on unsteady aerodynamic loads for predicting flutter conditions and/or other aeroelastic phenomena. In transonic applications, however, aerodynamic nonlinearities difficult these loads prediction. Thus, the ROMs must have the ability to include, in some way, these nonlinear effects in their formulation. Within this context, the present research project aims to study, develop and document nonlinear reduced-order models capable of supporting nonlinear aeroelastic analysis in the transonic regime. The research will use an in-house code known as BRU2D, which is a CFD tool already established in the research group of the Computational Aerodynamics Laboratory of DCTA/IAE. Conclusions and main contributions arising from this research project will be documented and published in relevant scientific events and journals. (AU)