• Composites Research
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.50-59
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• 2000

In this paper, two methods to suppress flutter of the composite panel are examined. First, in the active control method, a controller based on the linear optimal control theory is designed and control input voltage is applied on the actuators and a PZT is used as actuator. Second, a new technique, passive suppression scheme, is suggested for suppression of the nonlinear panel flutter. In the passive suppression scheme, a shunt circuit which consists of inductor-resistor is used to increase damping of the system and as a result the flutter can be attenuated. A passive damping technology, which is believed to be more robust suppression system in practical operation, requires very little or no electrical power and additional apparatuses such as sensor system and controller are not needed. To achieve the great actuating force/damping effect, the optimal shape and location of the actuators are determined by using genetic algorithms. The governing equations are derived by using extended Hamilton's principle. They are based on the nonlinear von Karman strain-displacement relationship for the panel structure and quasi-steady first-order piston theory for the supersonic airflow. The discretized finite element equations are obtained by using 4-node conforming plate element. A modal reduction is performed to the finite element equations in order to suppress the panel flutter effectively and nonlinear-coupled modal equations are obtained. Numerical suppression results, which are based on the reduced nonlinear modal equations, are presented in time domain by using Newmark nonlinear time integration method.