The Hydroelastic Behavior of Flat Plates as Influenced by Trailing Edge Geometry

Abstract

This report presents the results of a theoretical review and an experimental investigation of the hydroelastic vibration of thin flat plates suspended at zero mean angle of attack in a fluid stream. The review indicated that recognized experimental facts such as the influence of trailing edge geometry and the three-dimensional wake structure were inadequately related to theoretical considerations about the vibration phenomenon. The experimental investigation consisted of a detailed determination of the amplitude and frequency spectra of the vibration on a number of flat test plates which were mounted in the test section of a water tunnel at zero mean angle of attack. The effects on the vibrational behavior of trailing edge geometry, geometric and elastic properties of the plate support, free stream velocity and ambient pressure have been explored experimentally. An equation of motion has been written for the test plate - torsion spring system employed. Results of a qualitative analysis of this non-linear equation are compared with the experimental results obtained.