Effect of Structural Damping on Panel Flutter: Stability of Two‐Dimensional Simply‐Supported Panels Using Linear Piston Theory

Abstract

The effect of structural damping on panel flutter has received little treatment in the literature but the available information suggests that such an effect may be destabilizing. By considering a two‐dimensional, simply‐supported panel and using linear piston theory for the aerodynamic forces an analysis is presented in which the effect of hysteretic structural damping is considered. The main emphasis is on flat unbuckled panels, although a brief investigation of buckled panels is also presented, and it is concluded that there is an interdependence of structural and aerodynamic damping, which in the range of Mach numbers for which piston theory is valid, shows the destabilizing effect of structural damping. This effect is apparently more pronounced at high altitudes. A comprehensive bibliography of panel flutter is also included.

Citation

Johns, D.J. and Parks, P.C. (1960), "Effect of Structural Damping on Panel Flutter: Stability of Two‐Dimensional Simply‐Supported Panels Using Linear Piston Theory", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 32 No. 10, pp. 304-308. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb033313