Modeling of random aerodynamic loads applied on fluid-structure coupled systems using rain-on-the-roof equivalent excitation

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to extend statistical energy analysis (SEA)-like modeling to fluid-structure coupled systems. Design/methodology/approach - An equivalent approach of aerodynamic loads is applied to a SEA-like modeling of a panel-cavity coupled system with rain-on-the-roof excitation. Two aerodynamic excitations are presented: turbulent boundary layer (TBL) and diffuse field excitation. The energetic description of the coupled system is studied with both aerodynamic excitations, taking in account the coincidence effects. In order to extent the approach to more general systems, some parameters of the coupled system are also modified and the accuracy of the coupled system modeling is investigated. Findings - The boundary conditions of the panel and the coupling strength between the panel and the cavity have been modified. As it was expected, the accuracy of equivalent approach is shown to be independent of such modifications. The interest of such calculation is thus highlighted: modelings of systems and aerodynamic excitations are independent, and can be treated separately. Originality/value - This result is interesting in the space industry, for launch vehicles are excited by different types of random excitations. Those excitations can be modeled by SEA-like with low calculation time and memory and applied to a unique system modeling.