On the meshfree particle methods for fluid-structure interaction problems

Abstract

This paper presents a review of recent progress made towards the applications of the meshfree particle methods (MPMs) for solving coupled fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems. Meshfree methods are categorized based on their mathematical formulation and treatment of computational data points. The advantages and limitations of these methods, particularly related to FSI applications, have been identified. A detailed account of salient work related to the FSI problems involving complex geometries, viscous flows, and large structural deformations has been presented and the benchmark solutions are identified for future research. Compared to their mesh-based counterparts, MPMs are found better suited in negotiating moving boundaries and complex geometries, features that are the hallmark of FSI problems. However, the biggest challenge to their wider acceptability is their implementation and programming complexity, higher computational cost, and lack of commercial software packages. So far, meshfree methods have mostly been limited to applications, where conventional methods show limited performance. Owing to its promising growth potential, partitioned FSI is the prime emphasis of this paper. Various aspects of partitioned FSI have been identified and classified for meshfree FSI problems, which include problem formulation strategies, domains discretization approaches, solver coupling methodology, interface treatment, benchmark problems, computational load, and availability of commercial software. Furthermore, various challenges involved in employing MPMs for FSI have also been identified and discussed along with the state-of-the-art techniques used in meshfree methods and FSI applications, and a future way forward has been proposed. In essence, this paper is an effort to identify and classify key aspects of MPM applications for FSI and suggest potential avenues to explore the full potential of MPM capabilities for the solution of coupled problems.