Principles of Aeroelasticity

Aeroelasticity deals with the fluid-structure interaction problems in general, even though the subject traditionally evolved because of the special need in the design of aerospace structures. This book covers aeroelasticity along with some non-aerospace topics. It requires no prior courses on the theory of vibrations. The book provides the background of mechanics and strength of materials as well as solutions of differential equations. It contains extensive examples and case studies regarding aeroelasticity.

Introductory Guide on the Design of Aerospace Structures

Developed from a course taught at Concordia University for more than 20 years, Principles of Aeroelasticity utilizes the author’s extensive teaching experience to immerse undergraduate and first-year graduate students into this very specialized subject. Ideal for coursework or self-study, this detailed examination introduces the concepts of aeroelasticity, describes how aircraft lift structures behave when subjected to aerodynamic loads, and finds its application in aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering.

The book begins with a discussion on static behavior, and moves on to static instability and divergence, dynamic behavior leading up to flutter, and fluid structure interaction problems. It covers classical approaches based on low-order aerodynamic models and provides a rationale for adopting certain aeroelastic models. The author describes the formulation of discrete models as well as continuous structural models. He also provides approximate methods for solving divergence, flutter, response and stability of structures, and addresses non-aeroelastic problems in other areas that are similar to aeroelastic problems.

Topics covered include:

• The fundamentals of vibration theory
• Vibration of single degree of freedom and two degrees of freedom systems
• Elasticity in the form of an idealized spring element
• Repetitive motion
• Flutter phenomenon
• Classical methods, Rayleigh-Ritz techniques, Galerkin’s technique, influential coefficient methods, and finite element methods
• Unsteady aerodynamics, and more