Numerical simulation for random aeroelastic responses using inverse fourier transform

Abstract

This paper reports a new simulation technique for an aeroelastic system which responds to random external forces. Since the aeroelastic system including the effects of unsteady aerodynamics is ordinarily described in the frequency domain, the Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) can be utilized to simulate its random response. The response caused by the external random noise is calculated through a transfer function first in the frequency domain and then converted to the time domain. The objective of the present study is to provide mathematical time history data for evaluating the various estimation methods of the flutter boundary from subcritical responses in flight and/or wind tunnel testing. An example application to the method of flutter prediction is shown. The technique can also be used to evaluate the effects of the active control device coping with atmospheric turbulence.

Keywords

• aeroelasticity
• random response
• numerical simulation
• Fourier transform
• flutter prediction
• IDFT