Prediction Flutter Boundaries of Laminated Cylindrical Shells Using Scaling Laws

Abstract

In this paper, the necessary scaling laws for flutter speeds of laminated cylindrical shells are developed using the similitude theory. To consider the effect of mode shape factor, the characteristic equation of the system is used directly to derive the similarity conditions. The Love’s shell theory and Von-Karman-Donnell type of kinematic relations along with first-order potential theory have been employed to construct the aeroelastic equations of motion. Two types of similarity namely, complete and partial similarities are discussed. Based on the results of this study, for the special case of ply-level scaling, the complete similarity can be achieved. Additionally, set of distorted models with different stacking sequences, number of layers, and geometrical dimensions than prototypes are introduced which are able to predict the flutter speeds of laminated cylindrical shell with good accuracy.