Feedback-induced flutter instability of a flexible beam in fluid flow

A pinned-free beam in axial fluid flow, subjected to feedback-based actuation at the pinned end, is investigated. The may be a moment or prescribed angle and it proportional state (curvature, slope, displacement) of some point along its length. All equations boundary condition terms are non-dimensionalized stability system studied over range external flow velocity sensing location. For each combination location, critical gain (positive negative) for onset flutter determined. This process, which repeated modes, reveals that closed-loop exhibits rich set transitions, associated with traveling waveform flexible flutter. With intent exploring use fluttering beams underwater propulsion, efficiency these waveforms computed using slender-body theory. Additional insights into obtained through considerations smoothness waveforms.