Analysis of wave boundary effect on the flutter performance of the thin plate

In this paper, the wave boundary effect on the flutter performance of a thin plate in the coupled wind-wave environment was investigated experimentally. A series of aerodynamic tests with varying wave parameters (H/c, T) and vibration parameters (h₀, α₀) were conducted in the combined wind-wave-current flume. The results indicated that the flutter derivatives in wind-only cases aligned with the trends of the theoretical solutions. When the wave frequency matched the vibration frequency, the wave boundary effect on self-excited forces was characterized by periodic fluctuations. Wave height and phase relationship (φ_w−h and φ_w−α) identified as key factors. The lower surface of the leading edge served as the primary region for aerodynamic energy input. The interaction between the wave boundary and vibration produced periodic effects on the flow field. As a result, the energy input was altered, leading to a reduction in the critical flutter wind speed. This research highlights the significance of the wave boundary effect in the flutter analysis of low-clearance structures.