Torsional Divergence Analysis of Missile Fins Based on Galerkin’s Method

In the present paper, the static aeroelastic phenomenon known as torsional divergence is investigated on rocket stabilizers (fins) made of composite materials. Using analytic approach, the differential equation for torsional divergence of composite trapezoidal stabilizer is derived. The equation obtained was in the form of second-order differential equation with variable coefficients. The solution to divergence equation was obtained using Galerkin’s approach and the complete solution procedure is presented. It was found that Galerkin’s approach can be successfully deployed in solving differential divergence equation and divergence speed (VD) of composite stabilizer in subsonic airflow can be effectively calculated.