An embedded Finite Element framework for the resolution of strongly coupled Fluid–Structure Interaction problems. Application to volumetric and membrane-like structures

Abstract

This work presents a Fluid–Structure Interaction framework for the robust and efficient simulation of strongly coupled problems involving arbitrary large displacements and rotations. We focus on the application of the proposed tool to lightweight membrane-like structures. Nonetheless, all the techniques we present in this work can be applied to both volumetric and volumeless bodies. To achieve this, we rely on the use of embedded mesh methods in the fluid solver to conveniently handle the extremely large deflections and eventual topology changes of the structure. The coupling between the embedded fluid and mechanical solvers is based on an interface residual black-box strategy. We validate our proposal by solving reference benchmarking examples that consider both volumetric and volumeless geometries. Whenever it is possible, we also compare the embedded solution with the one obtained with our reference body fitted solver. Finally we present a real-life application of the presented embedded Fluid–Structure Interaction solver.

Keywords: Fluid–Structure Interaction, Embedded Boundary Methods, Level set methods, Coupled problems, Black-box coupling, Volumeless bodies