Modeling and identification of freeplay nonlinearity

A nonlinear analysis is performed for the purpose of identification of the pitch freeplay nonlinearity and its effect on the type of bifurcation of a two degree-of-freedom aeroelastic system. The databases for the identification are generated from experimental investigations of a pitch-plunge rigid airfoil supported by a nonlinear torsional spring. Experimental data and linear analysis are performed to validate the parameters of the linearized equations. Based on the periodic responses of the experimental data which included the flutter frequency and its third harmonics, the freeplay nonlinearity is approximated by a polynomial expansion up to the third order. This representation allows us to use the normal form of the Hopf bifurcation to characterize the type of instability. Based on numerical integrations, the coefficients of the polynomial expansion representing the freeplay nonlinearity are identified.

► We perform experimental identification of freeplay nonlinearity in an aeroelastic system.
► We demonstrate that a polynomial expansion can be used as a representation of the freeplay nonlinearity.
► Numerical integrations are performed to validate the experimental results.
► The normal form is derived and it ensures that the ensuing Hopf bifurcation is of the subcritical type.