Suppressing nonlinear aeroelastic response of laminated composite panels in supersonic airflows using a nonlinear energy sink

This paper proposes using a Nonlinear Energy Sink (NES) to suppress the nonlinear aeroelastic response of laminated composite panels in supersonic airflows. Relevant aeroelastic equations are established using Hamilton’s principle and a finite element approach, drawing upon Von Karman’s large deflection theory and first order piston theory. The idea of the NES suppression region is proposed and the effects of NES parameters on the NES suppression region are studied in detail. The results show that the nonlinear aeroelastic responses of the panel can be completely suppressed by the Transient Resonance Capture (TRC); the appropriate NES parameter values can increase the critical dynamic pressure for flutter and suppress the nonlinear aeroelastic response effectively. Increasing the mass ratio of the NES can improve the NES suppression region; the nonlinear stiffness coefficient and damping of the NES within a specific range can suppress the nonlinear aeroelastic response. The most effective installation position for a NES is in a specific region behind the center-line of the panel in the direction of the airflow.