Effects of Sweep on the Flutter of Wraparound Fins

Abstract

In the field of missile and rocket design, efficiency is a crucial aspect considering factors such as weight, storage, stealth, and cost. Wraparound fins (WAFs) have been used for many years to control the trajectory of missiles and rockets because of their compactness and effectiveness. However, WAFs are structurally more flexible than other types of fins, which may negatively impact their dynamic behavior and aeroelastic response. This can cause catastrophic instabilities, such as flutter. To mitigate these challenges, it is essential to consider both aerodynamic and structural models of WAFs during the design process. In this study, the flutter velocity and frequency of WAFs were investigated in relation to different structural design configurations and sweep angles, in order to understand and improve the aeroelastic performance of swept WAFs.