Effects of geometric imperfections on the aeroelastic behavior of functionally graded wings in supersonic flow

In this study, the thermal flutter characteristics of an imperfect cantilever plate under aerodynamic loads are investigated. The plate is assumed to be rectangular and functionally graded (FG). The plate is modeled based on first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), and the Von-Karman strain-displacement relations are used to model the geometric nonlinearity. Geometric imperfections are modeled as strain energy, which causes a reduction in the structural stiffness. The quasi-steady first-order piston theory is used to model the aerodynamic pressure due to supersonic flows. The effects of geometric imperfections, the volume fraction distribution, the temperature gradient, aerodynamic pressure and the aspect ratio on cantilever plate flutter characteristics are investigated.