Analysis of hysteretic characteristics of a nonlinear viscoelastic panel flutter

A two-dimensional nonlinear viscoelastic panel flutter model is developed and studied on its bifurcation and hysteresis characteristics. Both Von Karman's large deflection theory and Kelvin's viscoelastic damping model are applied to deduction of its governing equation, and the first order piston theory is used to simulate the gas pressure exerted on the panel. Then, the partial differential governing equation is transformed to ordinary differential equations by use of Galekin method, followed by linear stability analysis focused on effect of viscoelasticity. Numerical simulation is performed to study bifurcation, hysteresis characteristics when parameters vary continuously and bidirectionally. It shows that complex phenomena and distinct hysteresis exist in the viscoelastic panel flutter system.