Effect of Hinge Stiffness on Flutter Characteristics of Flat Plate Wing with Flap

Abstract

Flutter of flight vehicle structure can lead to catastrophic structural failure of aircraft. For this reason, aeroelastic simulation should be performed to understand flutter characteristics and to avoid any disastrous event which may occur due to such dynamic aeroelastic phenomenon. In this paper, the stiffness of the hinge, connecting the lifting surface to the control surface, is examined to see its effect on flutter characteristics by performing aeroelastic analysis. Flat plate wing with flap is modeled using MSC. Patran Flight Loads. Modal and flutter analysis of the wing for varying hinge stiffness is conducted using MSC.NASTRAN solver. P-k method is used for carrying out flutter analysis in MSC.NASTRAN solver. Results obtained from the analysis shows improved flutter characteristics with increase in hinge stiffness.