Numerical investigation into discontinuity-induced bifurcations in an aeroelastic system with coupled non-smooth nonlinearities

The present study focuses on investigating the bifurcation characteristics of a pitch–plunge aeroelastic system possessing coupled non-smooth nonlinearities, both in structural and aerodynamic fronts. To this end, freeplay nonlinearity is considered stiffness pitch degree-of-freedom. effects dynamic stall arising due to large instantaneous angles-of-attackare incorporated using semi-empirical Leishman–Beddoes model. A systematic response analysis carried out discern considering airspeed as parameter. At low airspeeds, series dynamical transitions, including aperiodic responses, occur predominantly while flow remains attached surface wing. However, beyond critical value airspeed, dominated by high amplitude pitch-dominated limit-cycle oscillations, which can be attributed flutter. It demonstrated that gap plays key role combining nonlinearities. higher values gap, interesting discontinuity-induced scenarios, such grazing boundary equilibrium bifurcations arise nonlinear interactions, significantly impact safety system.