A non-intrusive geometrically nonlinear augmentation to generic linear aeroelastic models

A new approach to build geometrically-nonlinear dynamic aeroelastic models is proposed that only uses information typically available in linear analyses, namely a generic (linear) finite-element model and frequency-domain aerodynamic influence coefficient matrices (AICs). Good computational efficiency achieved through two-step process: Firstly, geometric reduction of the structure carried out static or condensation on nodes along main load paths vehicle. Secondly, manipulation resulting normal modes (LNMs), condensed stiffness mass matrices, nodal coordinates provides modal coefficients intrinsic beam equations these paths. This preserves LNMs original problem augments them with geometrically nonlinear terms theory. The structural description material AICs are thus naturally included as follower forces. Numerical examples include cantilever wings built using detailed models, for which effects such equilibrium, dynamics structural-driven limit-cycle oscillations shown. Results demonstrate ability methodology seamlessly efficiently incorporate critical arbitrarily large high aspect ratio wings.