Aircraft Active Flutter Suppression: State of the Art and Technology Maturation Needs

TLDR

Active flutter suppression, a subset of active controls, is crucial for resolving aeroelastic instabilities late in aircraft development and, when integrated early, can drive multidisciplinary design optimization toward more efficient aircraft. This work seeks to compile a comprehensive review of over five decades of active flutter suppression research and to preserve this knowledge for future practitioners. The authors survey historical progress, current state of the art across supporting disciplines, and emphasize vehicle safety and complementary R&D in aeroelasticity, aeroservoelasticity, and active control. They identify technology gaps and research needs, and provide an exhaustive bibliography covering all foundational components of active flutter suppression technology.

Abstract

Active flutter suppression, which is a part of the group of flight vehicle technologies known as active controls, is an important contributor to the effective solution of aeroelastic instability problems when they pop up late in the development of a new aircraft or, if used from the start of the design process, it is a key element in multidisciplinary design optimization that could lead to more efficient aircraft. This work presents a thorough overview of more than 50 years of research and development in the active flutter suppression area. Along the way, key historical developments and the current state of the art in all supporting disciplines are surveyed. Technology gaps and research and technology needs are identified. Special attention is given to the vehicle safety issue and to research and development in the active flutter suppression area that would complement ongoing research and development in all areas of aeroelasticity, aeroservoelasticity, and active control. A thorough bibliography contains references that cover all building blocks of active flutter suppression technology. The work would, hopefully, contribute to the preservation of the treasures of experience and knowledge in this area so that they would not be forgotten and lost and would remain available to professionals working in this field.