A Coupled CFD/CSD Methodology for Simulating Structural Response to Airblast and Fragment

Abstract

Several classes of important engineering problems require the concurrent application of CFD and CSD techniques. Currently, attempts to model these problems are solved either iteratively, requiring several cycles of CFD run followed by CSD run, or by assuming that the CFD and CSD solutions can be decoupled. The various efforts to develop a fluid/structure coupling can be classified according to the complexity level of the approximations used for each of the domains. These range from simple 6 DOF integration to finite elements with complex models for elasto-plastic materials with rupture laws and contact. Similarly, the fluid dynamics approximations range from the potential flow (irotational, inviscid, isentropic flows) to the full Navier-Stokes set of equations. The present research interests focus on non-linear applications, in particular, structures that experience severe deformations due to blast loads. Hence, the fluid applies either the Euler or Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations, while elasto-plastic materials with rupture criteria are used for the structural modeling.