Partitioned procedures for the transient solution of coupled aeroelastic problems - Part II: Energy transfer analysis and three-dimensional applications

We consider the problem of solving large-scale nonlinear dynamic aeroelasti city problems in the time-domain using a fluid/structure partitioned proced ure. We present a mathematical framework For assessing some important numer ical properties of the chosen partitioned procedure. and predicting its per formance for realistic applications. Our analysis framework is based on the estimation of the energy that is artificially introduced at the fluid/stru cture interface by the staggering process that is inherent to most partitio ned solution methods. This framework also suggests alternative approaches f or time-discretizing the transfer of aerodynamic data from the fluid subsys tem to the structure subsystem that improves the accuracy and the stability properties of the underlying partitioned method. We apply this framework t o the analysis of several partitioned procedures that have been previously proposed for the solution of nonlinear transient aeroelastic problems. Usin g two- and three-dimensional, transonic and supersonic. wing and panel aero elastic applications. we validate this framework and highlight its impact o n the design and selection of a staggering algorithm for the solution of co upled fluid/structure equations. (C) 3001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.