Numerical Analysis Method and Aerothermoelastic Behaviors of Temperature-Dependent Functional Graded Panels.

Numerical analysis based on finite element method and aerothermoelastic behaviors of temperature-dependent Functional Graded Panels (FGP) in supersonic or hypersonic flows are investigated in this study. Considering the nonlinear distribution of temperature along the thickness direction of the panel, a more available aerothermoelastic model of FGP is established. The aerodynamic heating effect is simulated by use of Eckert's reference temperature method, then thermal stresses and physical properties of the panel are obtained by solving the Heat Conduction Equation by use of the Finite Element Method. Finally, solving the governing equation of FGP by use of the Finite Element Method, the vibration behaviors due to aerothermoelasticity are studied. From the simulation results, it can be found that, the numerical analysis is effective and efficient, and the effects of aerodynamic heating can make the panel turn into thermal buckling state or vibrating state easily. And it is also found that, the panel behaviors are very sensitive to the initial condition when the non-dimensional aerodynamic force is in a certain 'transition region'. As a conclusion, it can be drawn that the model and numerical method presented in this study could be used to study the aerothermoelastic behaviors of FGP accurately and feasibly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]