An Integrated Aerothermoelastic Analysis Framework for Predicting the Response of Composite Panels

Abstract

This study describes the development of an integrated aerothermoelastic computational framework. The framework consists of a Navier-Stokes aerodynamic solver based on the Stanford University multiblock (SUmb) code, a finite element structural solver for moderate deflection of composite doubly-curved shallow shell with thermal stress, and a finite element thermal solver for heat transfer in composite shallow shells with nonlinear material properties. The solvers are coupled using a partitioned scheme. An analytical approach is developed to determine the time accuracy and the so-called energy accuracy of a loosely-coupled scheme. The energy accuracy is connected to the time accuracy of damping of the predicted response, and thus connected to the accuracy of predicted critical flutter point. The aeroelastic behaviors of 2D and 3D panels are investigated using the computational framework. The 3D effect and Reynolds number is found to have significant influence on the critical flutter parameter, and limit cycle amplitude.

An Aerothermoelastic Analysis Framework Enhanced by Model Order Reduction With Applications

“…Overview of the Computational Framework In Ref. [9], the HYPATE framework has been developed for time-accurate FTSI simulation. The HYPATE framework combines the fluid, structural, and thermal solvers using a second-order time accurate loosely-coupled scheme.…”

“…The structural and thermal solvers are based on a C++ library with Python interface developed for general finite element (FE) analysis [9]. The structural solver is capable of modeling the structural dynamics of anisotropic doubly curved shallow shells, with shear, geometric nonlinearity, and thermal stress.…”

“…It is justified mathematically in Ref. [9] for skin panels. The second assumption is due to the disparity of characteristic times of different physical domains.…”

“…In current study, the authors described the acceleration of the computational framework named HYPATE, HYPersonic AeroThermoElasticity simulation environment [9]. The framework is used to study panel flutter problems in hypersonic flow, with emphasis on the effect of flow orientation angle and turbulent boundary layer thickness.…”