Multiparameter Solution Methods for Semistructured Aeroelastic Flutter Problems

This paper presents several new methods for the solution of aeroelastic flutter problems with a partial polynomial structure: problems consisting of a mix of polynomial and more complex nonlinear components. The focus is particularly on systems that use Theodorsen aerodynamics: for such systems, four new solution algorithms are devised. Two of these are direct but yield approximate results, and two are iterative. These algorithms are tested on an example system, and their computational characteristics are investigated and discussed. Three of them are suitable for practical implementation; the fourth is too computationally intensive to be of great practical use. Extensions and improvements to these algorithms, and the overall methods used, are also discussed.