On the solution of the aeroelastic galloping problem

A global stability analysis of the transverse galloping of a square section beam in a normal steady ow was
performed. The analysis was applied to a mathematical model using experimentally measured stationary
aerodynamic forces. The system was modelled as an ordinary differential equation with small non-linearity
in the velocity term. Three methods are used for the stability analysis: 1. a harmonic balance approach, 2.
normal form theory, 3. cell mapping. The resulting stability predictions were compared with each other and
with results obtained from numerical integration. It is shown that the hysteretic stability of the non-linear
aeroelastic oscillator was captured by all the methods. Additionally, the methods had a varying degree of
success in predicting the amplitude of limit cycle oscillations undergone by the aeroelastic oscillator.