Chapter 9

Aeroelasticity

N. Chari, Prasad Mukkavilli, A. G. Sarwade, and Kamalakar Pallela

Abstract Aeroelasticity is a branch of physics and engineering dealing with inter-

action between inertial elastic and aerodynamic forces. When a semi elastic body is

exposed to a fluid flow (Collar’s diagram) it develops fluid dynamic forces. Aeroe-

lasticity includes static aeroelasticity (steady state) and dynamic aeroelasticity (flut-

tering and buffeting). Low and high wing beat frequencies are observed in the insect

flight. Our knowledge of aeroelasticity in the insect flight is in the initial stage. There

is a need to do further serious nano material research for proper prediction of loads

and vibrations characteristics in flapping wings and MAVs.

Keywords Aeroelasticity · Static and dynamic aeroelasticity · Fluttering ·

Buffeting · Low Re

Introduction

Aeroelasticity is a branch of physics and engineering dealing with interactions

between inertial, elastic and aerodynamic forces when a semi-elastic body is exposed

to a fluid flow (See Fig. 9.1). It has great applications in the aeronautical industry,

structural engineering, bio-aerodynamics and power transmission lines. This study

can be broadly classified as static and dynamic aeroelasticity (vibrational response).

N. Chari (B)

Kakatiya University, Warangal, Telangana, India

P. Mukkavilli

SNIST, Hyderabad, India

BHEL R&D, Hyderabad, India

A. G. Sarwade

MRCET, Hyderabad, India

DRDL, Hyderabad, India

K. Pallela

ECE Department, SNIST, Hyderabad, India

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021

N. Chari et al. (eds.), Biophysics of Insect Flight, Springer Series in Biophysics 22,

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5184-7_9

121