An integrated static/dynamic aerothermoelastic analysis framework for functionally graded structures in hypersonic vehicles

Hypersonic vehicles are susceptible to considerable aerodynamic heating and noticeable aerothermoelastic effects during flight due to their high speeds. Functionally graded materials (FGMs), which enable continuous changes in material properties by varying the ratio of two or more materials, provide both thermal protection and load-bearing capabilities, and usually used in thermal protection structures for hypersonic vehicles. This paper establishes an integrated static/dynamic aerothermoelastic analysis framework for FG structures in hypersonic vehicles. This paper presents the integrated static/dynamic aerothermoelastic analysis of a small aspect ratio hypersonic wing with FGM as the skin. The static aerothermoelastic response and flutter characteristics are efficiently obtained during the flight through the framework. Furthermore, the phenomenon of a sudden change in flutter speed with time was also observed.