Structural nonlinear flutter characteristics analysis for an actuator-fin system with dynamic stiffness

The flutter characteristics of an actuator-fin system are investigated with structural nonlinearity and dynamic stiffness of the electric motor. The component mode substitution method is used to establish the nonlinear governing equations in time domain and frequency domain based on the fundamental dynamic equations of the electric motor and decelerator. The existing describing function method and a proposed iterative method are used to obtain the flutter characteristics containing preload freeplay nonlinearity when the control command is zero. A comparison between the results of frequency domain and those of time domain is studied. Simulations are carried out when the control command is not zero and further analysis is conducted when the freeplay angle is changed. The results show that structural nonlinearity and dynamic stiffness have a significant influence on the flutter characteristics. Limit cycle oscillations (LCOs) are observed within linear flutter boundary. The response of the actuator-fin system is related to the initial disturbance. In the nonlinear condition, the amplitude of the control command has an influence on the flutter characteristics.