Nonlinear Flutter Response of Heated Curved Composite Panels with Embedded Macrofiber Composite Actuators

The nonlinear flutter response of heated curved composite panels with embedded macrofiber composite (MFC) actuators in supersonic airflow is investigated. Prescribed voltages are statically applied to the piezoelectric actuators, inducing a prestress field which results in an additional stiffness effect on the curved panel, and it will change the aeroelastic behavior of curved composite panels. The aeroelastic equations of curved composite panels with embedded MFC actuators are formulated by the finite element approach. The von Karman large deflection panel theory and the first‐order piston theory aerodynamics are adopted in the formulation. The motion equations are solved by a fourth‐order Runge–Kutta numerical scheme, and time history, phase portrait, Poincaré map, bifurcation diagram, and Lyapunov exponent are used for better understanding of the pre/postflutter responses. The results demonstrate that the nonlinear flutter response characteristics of the curved panel differs from those of the flat panels significantly, and the transverse displacement of the curved composite panels with embedded MFC actuators in the preflutter region shows a gradual static displacement; the chaotic motions occur directly after static motion because of the effect of the temperature elevation. The applied voltages can increase the critical dynamic pressure and change the bifurcation diagram of the curved composite panels with embedded MFC actuators, and the response amplitudes can be reduced evidently.