Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Flutter in lightweight airfoils under unsteady flows presents a critical challenge in aeroelastic stability and control. This study uncovers phase-dependent effects that drive the onset and suppression of flutter in a freely pitching airfoil at low Reynolds number. By introducing targeted impulsive stiffness perturbations, we identify critical phases that trigger instability. Using phase-sensitivity functions, energy-transfer metrics and dynamic mode decomposition, we show that flutter arises from phase lock-on between structural and fluid modes. Leveraging this insight, we design an energy-optimal, phase-based control strategy that applies transient heaving motions to disrupt synchronisation and arrest unstable growth. This minimal, time-localised control suppresses subharmonic amplification and restores stable periodic motion.
Source: Journal of Fluid Mechanics
Institution: University of Nevada, Reno
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
Award: G5423801402
OpenAlex ID: W4415021529