This study numerically investigates the effects of plate vibration and deformation on the combustion performance, the shock wave structure, the mixing characteristics and the flame structure for transverse hydrogen injection. The finite-rate method is used to simulate combustion. Results show that plate vibration causes the combustion performance to oscillate both temporally and spatially, while plate deformation can only change the static characteristics of the flow. Plate vibration and deformation increase the intensity and number of shock wave reflections in different ways. In addition, both plate vibration and deformation increase the momentum flux ratio and the jet penetration depth, which enhances mixing. Finally, plate vibration widens the flame and moves it upward to a greater extent than plate deformation. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.