Technische Universitt Mnchen

Wind Energy Institute

Aeroelasticity
- Introduction
Carlo L. Bottasso, Stefano Cacciola

October 2014

What is Aeroelasticity?

Aeroelasticity: Introduction

Definitions:

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Aeroelasticity is the branch of physics and engineering that studies the

interactions between [sic] the inertial, elastic, and aerodynamic forces that
occur when an elastic body is exposed to a fluid flow. (Wikipedia, 2014)

The branch of applied mechanics which deals with the interaction of

aerodynamic, inertial, and structural forces. (McGraw-Hill Science &
Technology Encyclopedia, 2014)

The science of the interaction between aerodynamic forces and non-rigid

structures. (Oxford Dictionaries, 2014)

Best: Phenomena which exhibit appreciable reciprocal interaction (static or

dynamic) between aerodynamic forces and the deformations induced thereby
in the structure of a flying vehicle, its control mechanisms, or its propulsion
system. (RL Bisplinghoff, H Ashley, Principles of Aeroelasticity, Dover
Phoenix Editions, 2002)

What is Aeroelasticity?

Aeroelasticity: Introduction

Engineering and natural systems (vehicles, bridges and buildings, wires, wind
turbines, plants, birds, ) are made up by forces, interacting within themselves
and with the external environment.

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Mutual interaction
Unidirectional interaction
Bisplinghoff & Ashley, Principles of Aeroelasticity

What is Aeroelasticity?
Focus on specific appreciable reciprocal interactions:

Aeroelasticity: Introduction

Aero[]elasticity

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Aeroservothermoelasticity
Aeroservoelasticity
Aeroelasticity
Elastic forces
Inertial forces
Aerodynamic forces

Controls

Thermodynamics

Electromagnetic field
Hydrodynamic forces

What is Aeroelasticity?

Aeroelasticity: Introduction

Collars Triangle:

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Why Does Aeroelasticity Matter?

Aeroelasticity: Introduction

Aeroelasticity is a crucial element of the design of many engineering systems

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It is necessary to account for aeroelasticity within design to ensure:

Performance
Safety

http://youtu.be/OhwLojNerMU (old movies, but still completely relevant)

Why Does Aeroelasticity Matter?

Aeroelasticity: Introduction

Rotary wing aeroelasticity

-8-

https://youtu.be/ykhbTfa449I

Pogo instabilities in liquid fuel rocket engines

Pogo on Apollo 8 & 9

http://youtu.be/q9ocI0_SxrM

Why Does Aeroelasticity Matter?

It matters not only for aerospace applications:

Aeroelasticity: Introduction

Galloping power lines

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http://youtu.be/C2ZOlbxG9bc

Aeroelasticity of civil structures

http://youtu.be/0NmRF84lv1Y

Why Does Aeroelasticity Matter?

It matters not only for aerospace applications:

Aeroelasticity: Introduction

Aero-hydro-servo-elasticity
of wind turbines

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http://youtu.be/DfGxsCQmye0

Possible energy harvesting concept

Vibrations in pipes,
naval hydrodynamics,
tank sloshing,
biological flows,
musical instruments,

http://youtu.be/8mquJDJOqiU

Why Does Aeroelasticity Matter?

Aeroelasticity in nature:

Aeroelasticity: Introduction

Load-mitigating self-protecting structures

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Morphing wings

http://youtu.be/siHQgN6iFRk

http://youtu.be/Ni_mS4cKPXY

Cardiovascular flow, biological flows

http://youtu.be/JA0Wb3gc4mE