The research unit FOR 493 tackles the challenging task of fluid-structure interaction (FSI). On the one hand, the objective is to provide reliable experimental reference data for all groups which are developing numerical methodologies to predict such coupled FSI problems. Since measurements on fluid-structure interaction setups using welldefined boundary and operating conditions are rare, the present Particle Image Velocimetry and excitation measurements for a swiveling flat plate support to fill a gap by providing phase-resolved data of this useful test case. On the other hand, the objective is to develop numerical methods for coupled FSI investigations which involve turbulent flows. Thus, an especially designed coupling scheme to be used in combination with the large-eddy simulation technique was set up and applied to study the flow around the hinged flat plate and the development of self-excited periodic processes with rotary oscillation of the flat plate. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.