A Parallel Partitioned Approach On Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulations Using the Multiscale Universal Interface Coupling Library

Abstract

Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) is a phenomenon that appears in a wide range of scientific research and engineering applications at different spatial and temporal scales. There are many in-house/commercial solvers capable of modelling FSI, but high numerical robustness and high scalability codes are still in demand. In this study, a numerical framework for FSI simulations has been developed using a partitioned approach aimed at both high numerical robustness and good computational scalability. Open-source software is used for each component of the coupled solution, with OpenFOAM and FEniCS adopted to simulate the computational fluid dynamics and computational structural mechanics, respectively. A coupling interface between the fluid and structural computational domains is realised using the open-source Multiscale Universal Interface (MUI) scientific code coupling library. To achieve a tight and stable coupling, various FSI coupling algorithms have been implemented in the MUI. The behaviour of this framework has been assessed for simulations of a blunt trailing edge hydrofoil at different working conditions with vortex-shedding induced vibration.

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