On Dynamics of an Aerodynamic Pendulum with Multiple Links

Oscillations of different aeroelastic systems are of interest from the perspective of both practice and theory. One of examples of such systems is an aerodynamic pendulum with several elastically connected links. The last link carries a symmetrical wing which interacts with the incoming flow. This system has a “natural” equilibrium when all links are stretched along the flow. The influence of different parameters of the pendulum upon the stability of this equilibrium is studied. It is shown that the increase in the radius of inertia of the wing (the last link) contributes to destabilization of the equilibrium, while the increase in the distance between the last joint of the pendulum and the center of pressure the wind results in stabilization. Evolution of oscillations arising in the system with the increase of the wind speed is studied for pendulums with two and three links. It is shown that there exist two families of attracting solutions in both cases.