Nonlinear Dynamics of Curved Beam: Parametric Space Classification

Future hypersonic aircraft structure requires enhanced performance, reduced maintenance and shorter turn-around times for persistent strike capabilities. Such development requires further understanding of the hypersonic environment and its interaction with the vehicular structures. A study of the effect of combined harmonic and random excitation of a curved beam, representative of aircraft structure, is presented. A classification of the loading parametric space is developed to understand the trade-offs in the response of the model. Bifurcation diagrams and phase portraits are used to comprehend the complete response dynamics. Further, increased levels of random excitation in conjunction with harmonic loading are studied for its effect on the definition of the parameter space boundaries. The understanding of the representative curved structure’s response to the parameters associated with the operational environment is essential for the design of structures for hypersonic aircrafts of the future.