Coupled Aero-structural Simulation Techniques Using High-Fidelity Analysis and Design Tools

Abstract

An important component in the aerodynamic design and analysis of wing structures is the accurate modeling of the aeroelasticity in the problem. Along with the need for high-fidelity fluid and structural solvers, this multi-physics problem also requires a tight coupling strategy between the solvers and a robust methodology to handle the deformation of the CFD mesh. For partitioned solvers, it is also crucial that the coupling methodology caters for dissimilar meshes at the fluid–structure interface in order to fully leverage the capabilities of the individual solvers. In this paper, such a partitioned approach to modeling fluid–structure interaction (FSI) is demonstrated. Our methodology can accurately transfer loads and displacements at the wetted boundaries even when working with dissimilar meshes, such as a 3D CFD boundary interfacing with a finite element mesh comprising of 1D and 2D structural elements like beams and shells. The CFD mesh is deformed using a mesh morphing technology that only modifies the node locations while keeping the mesh connectivity unchanged. The effectiveness of our fluid structure interaction (FSI) methodology is demonstrated by conducting a static FSI analysis of the NASA Common Research Model (CRM) (modified with winglets) using CFD++ and CSM++ while maintaining a constant CL. Our mesh morphing technology is also used to parameterize the mesh to conduct shape optimization studies of the winglet.