Quasi-static experimental path-following*

Our work aims to exploit structural nonlinearity in engineering, with a particular focus on aerospace applications, to develop well-behaved nonlinear structures [1].

In addition to improved numerical methods, experimental validation of nonlinear structures is critical in ensuring their use in engineering applications, especially in conservative industries such as commercial aviation.

Existing experimental techniques are unable to fully characterise the nonlinear response of even simple nonlinear structures, as they cannot measure structures with force-displacement responses that include limit points and snapping behaviour. An experimental method has been developed to extend our ability to measure the structural response of nonlinear structures [2]. In this presentation we will present our recent developments in experimental path-following on nonlinear structures.

[1] G. Arena, R.M.J. Groh, A. Brinkmeyer, R. Theunissen, P.M. Weaver and A. Pirrera, Adaptive compliant structures for flow regulation, Proceedings of Royal Society A 473, 20170334 (2017)
[2] R.M. Neville, R.M.J. Groh, A. Pirrera, M. Schenk (2018), Shape Control for Experimental Continuation, Physical Review Letters, 120(25), 254101 (2018)