A series of panel flutter experiments were performed in the GALCIT transonic wind tunnel. The preflutter panel motion and the motion during flutter were studied in detail. Flutter boundaries were obtained between Mach numbers 1, 15 and 1.5. Three analytical studies of the flutter phenomenon, based upon conventional assumptions, are presented which facilitate comparison between theory and experiment. A detailed comparison between the theoretical and experimental results reveals considerable disagreement in the flutter boundaries at supersonic Mach numbers less than 1,4. The agreement between theory and experiment improves at the higher Mach numbers. The theory appears inadequate for the prediction of flutter boundaries at the lower supersonic Mach numbers. A possible cause of this inadequacy of the theory is discussed.
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