Fluid-structure Interaction Research Articles

Design And Optimization Of Aeronautical Components And Digital Twins Development

In this work, the feasibility of using reduced models (ROMs) for optimizing a scoop air intake for aeronautical applications was evaluated. Since the air intake is exposed to aerodynamic loads, a two-way fluid-structure interaction workflow was used to characterize the component. The goal is to create an optimization dashboard that allows both scalar quantities (the parameters that are intended to be monitored during the design and optimization of the air intake) and field quantities to be evaluated in real time. In this way, the designer can have a full understanding of the physics of the problem and make more informed design choices. In addition, in this way it is possible to visualize results from different physics in a single dashboard, linking different components, interacting with models in real time. A mesh morphing technique based on Radial Basis Functions (RBFs) was used. The result was very interesting both from a structural point of view (mass reduction over 90% and maximum strain reduction of 36%) and from a fluid dynamic point of view (outlet pressure 86% higher and drag 32% lower) and the generated ROMs proved to be a very accurate (ROM relative error in the order of 7%) and flexible tool.

Accelerating the force-coupling method for hydrodynamic interactions in periodic domains

The efficient simulation of fluid-structure interactions at zero Reynolds number requires the use of fast summation techniques in order to rapidly compute the long-ranged hydrodynamic interactions between the structures. One approach for periodic domains involves utilising a compact or exponentially decaying kernel function to spread the force on the structure to a regular grid where the resulting flow and interactions can be computed efficiently using an FFT-based solver. A limitation to this approach is that the grid spacing must be chosen to resolve the kernel and thus, these methods can become inefficient when the separation between the structures is large compared to the kernel width. In this paper, we address this issue for the force-coupling method (FCM) by introducing a modified kernel that can be resolved on a much coarser grid, and subsequently correcting the resulting interactions in a pairwise fashion. The modified kernel is constructed to ensure rapid convergence to the exact hydrodynamic interactions and a positive-splitting of the associated mobility matrix. We provide a detailed computational study of the methodology and establish the optimal choice of the modified kernel width, which we show plays a similar role to the splitting parameter in Ewald summation. Finally, we perform example simulations of rod sedimentation and active filament coordination to demonstrate the performance of fast FCM in application.

Vortex-induced vibration effect on the aeroelastic stability of two composite cylindrical shells using a fluid-structure interaction method

The purpose of this study, is to investigate the aeroelastic stability and effect of vortices resulting from passing air over cylindrical shells in three-dimensional condition. Here, the Naiver-Stokes equations in the integral form are considered studying the air flow based on the finite-volume method. The ANSYS Fluent software is used to study the fluid-solid interaction effect. The shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model is utilized to simulate the turbulent viscosity. Effect of different parameters such as two cylindrical shells alignment or two cylinders diameter ratio are considered. The results indicate that the vortices can play a significant role on the aeroelastic stability of the cylindrical shell.

Analysis of dynamic characteristics of whipping effect on l-shaped main steam pipe considering fluid-structure interaction effect

To investigate the whipping effect on the L-shaped main steam pipe utilized in the marine steam systems, the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method is utilized to numerically analyze its dynamic characteristics. The numerical results illustrate that the dynamic response of whipping effect with rupture position B on the oblique pipe section is more severe with the significantly larger displacement of L-shaped pipe and anti-whip restraints and more complex frequency characteristics than that of whipping effect with rupture position A on the right-angled elbow. The mode transition phenomenon is also observed in the case with rupture position B. The maximum deformation concentrates on different parts when burst of pipes occurs at different positions and the deformation with rupture position B is several times larger than that with rupture position A. The increase of gap between anti-whip restraints intensifies the whipping effect, but it also reduces the maximum restraint force. The friction acts as the resistance in the slip process and thus contributes to the protection against whipping effect. The anti-whip restraints E closed to rupture position B on the oblique pipe section has better performance than anti-whip restraints D in the protection against horizontal whipping effect.

Coupled fluid-structure simulation of a flapping wing using free multibody dynamics software

AbstractComputer simulations offer invaluable insights into fluid-structure interaction phenomena, increasing our understanding of complex behaviors within fluid flows and enabling predictions of consequential effects. This paper explores flapping wing simulation using an original toolchain based on free software. The structural domain is modeled using multibody dynamics, interfaced with arbitrary fluid dynamics solvers through a general-purpose multiphysics coupling library. The proposed toolchain is validated against benchmark models, demonstrating its effectiveness in various applications. Our study, inspired by experimental ones, applies this coupling to investigate the hydroelastic behavior of a flexible wing. Wing motion characteristics, structural properties, and convergence criteria are analyzed through numerical simulations. While achieving appreciable agreement with experimental data on wing motion ratios, challenges in dealing with large displacements have been identified. Nonetheless, the present study provides valuable insights into fluid-structure interactions, laying the groundwork for future refinements in computational modeling techniques and advancing the understanding of bio-inspired flight mechanisms.

A comparative study of two fish farm layouts under pure current conditions

High-value finfish, such as the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar), are typically raised in multi-cage fish farms. The fish farm needs to be designed with sufficient strength and water exchange. A coupling algorithm between two open-source numerical toolboxes, OpenFOAM and Code_Aster, is utilized in this work for fluid-structure interaction analysis of fish farms. The two different fish farm layouts, i.e., the 2 × 3 array layout and the Honeycomb layout, are investigated in this study under pure current conditions with different flow angles. The fluid and structure responses of the two fish farm layouts are compared, in terms of flow field in and around fish farms, tensions in anchor lines, drag force, and total cultivation volume. The present results suggest that, compared to the 2 × 3 array layout, the Honeycomb layout has a smaller covered area and reduced environmental loads, which are making this layout advantageous for fish farming.

Experimental and Numerical Prediction of Slamming Impact Loads Considering Fluid–Structure Interactions

Slamming impacts on water are common occurrences, and the whipping induced by slamming can significantly increase the structural load. This paper carries out an experimental study of the water entry of rigid wedges with various deadrise angles. The drop height and deadrise angle are parametrically varied to investigate the effect of the entry velocity and wedge shape on the impact dynamics. A two-way coupled approach combing CFD method software STAR-CCM+12.02.011-R8 and the FEM method software Abaqus 6.14 is presented to analyze the effect of structural flexibility on the slamming phenomenon for a wedge and a ship model. The numerical method is validated through the comparison between the numerical simulation and experimental data. The slamming pressure, free surface elevation, and dynamic structural response, including stress and strain, in particular, are presented and discussed. The results show that the smaller the inclined angle at the bottom of the wedge-shaped body, the faster the entry speed into the water, resulting in greater impact pressure and greater structural deformation. Meanwhile, studies have shown that the bottom of the bow is an area of concern for wave impact problems, providing a basis for the assessment of ship safety design.

Experimental and numerical studies on a passively deformed coupled-pitching hydrofoil under the semi-activated mode

Flexibility is expected to positively affect the hydrodynamic and energy-harvesting performance of deformable hydrofoils, which have a simple structure and can be easily implemented in practical engineering applications. However, the characteristics of the fluid-structure interaction and power capturing are complicated. In this study, to reveal the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) mechanism and the effects of the passive deformation on the energy-harvesting performance, a flexible hydrofoil to conduct a coupled-pitching motion under the semi-activated mode was proposed and investigated experimentally and numerically. In the experimental study, a deformation-measuring technology based on a digital imaging algorithm was developed and employed for water channel tests. The effects of the hydrofoil profile and activated pitching amplitude on the deformation status, torque output, and energy-harvesting performance were studied experimentally. In the numerical study, a three-dimensional unsteady two-way FSI model was established and validated using experimental results. The influence mechanisms of the damping torque coefficient, activated pitching amplitude, and elasticity modulus on the passive deformation, its phase difference with the activated pitching angle, and the hydrodynamic and energy-harvesting performances were studied. Compared with the rigid hydrofoil, the energy-harvesting efficiency and power coefficient of the passively deformable hydrofoil could be increased by 4.8 % and 8.0 %, respectively, as the phase difference zone was close to 3π/4. In addition, positive and negative phase difference zones for performance enhancement were identified, which provides a future direction for optimizing flexible hydrofoils and control strategies.

Design and Evaluation of Novel Submerged Floating Tunnel Models Based on Dynamic Similarity

Submerged floating tunnels (SFTs), also known as the Archimedes Bridge, are new transportation structures designed for crossing deep waters. Compared with cross-sea bridges and subsea tunnels, SFTs offer superior environmental adaptability, reduced construction costs, and an enhanced spanning capacity, highlighting their significant development potential and research value. This paper introduces a new type of SFT scale model for hydrodynamic experiments, adhering to the criteria for geometric similarity, motion similarity, and dynamic similarity principles, including the Froude and Cauchy similarity principles. This model enables the accurate simulation of the elastic deformation of the tunnel body and complex hydrodynamic phenomena, such as fluid–structure interactions and vortex–induced vibrations. Moreover, this paper details the design methodology, fabrication process, and method for similarity evaluation, covering the mass, deflection under load, natural frequency in air, and the natural frequency of the various underwater motion freedoms of the model. The results of our experiments and numerical simulations demonstrate a close alignment, proving the reliability of the new SFT scale model. The frequency distribution observed in the white noise wave tests indicates that the SFT equipped with inclined mooring cables experiences a coupled interaction between horizontal motion, vertical motion, and rotation. Furthermore, the design methodology of this model can be applied to other types of SFTs, potentially advancing technical progress in scale modeling of SFTs and enhancing the depth of SFT research through hydrodynamic experiments.

In silico analysis of embolism in cerebral arteries using fluid-structure interaction method

Ischemic stroke, particularly embolic stroke, stands as a significant global contributor to mortality and long-term disabilities. This paper presents a comprehensive simulation of emboli motion through the middle cerebral artery (MCA), a prevalent site for embolic stroke. Our patient-specific computational model integrates major branches of the middle cerebral artery reconstructed from magnetic resonance angiography images, pulsatile flow dynamics, and emboli of varying geometries, sizes, and material properties. The fluid-structure interactions method is employed to simulate deformable emboli motion through the middle cerebral artery, allowing observation of hemodynamic changes in artery branches upon embolus entry. We investigated the impact of embolus presence on shear stress magnitude on artery walls, analyzed the effects of embolus material properties and geometries on embolus trajectory and motion dynamics within the middle cerebral artery. Additionally, we evaluated the non-Newtonian behavior of blood, comparing it with Newtonian blood behavior. Our findings highlight that embolus geometry significantly influences trajectory, motion patterns, and hemodynamics within middle cerebral artery branches. Emboli with visco-hyperelastic material properties experienced higher stresses upon collision with artery walls compared to those with hyperelastic properties. Furthermore, considering blood as a non-Newtonian fluid had notable effects on emboli stresses and trajectories within the artery, particularly during collisions. Notably, the maximum von Mises stress experienced in our study was 21.83 kPa, suggesting a very low probability of emboli breaking during movement, impact, and after coming to a stop. However, in certain situations, the magnitude of shear stress on them exceeded 1 kPa, increasing the likelihood of cracking and disintegration. These results serve as an initial step in anticipating critical clinical conditions arising from arterial embolism in the middle cerebral artery. They provide insights into the biomechanical parameters influencing embolism, contributing to improved clinical decision-making for stroke management.

Vibroacoustic analysis of submerged fluid-filled cylindrical shell

This study presents a comprehensive Chebyshev-Fourier spectral method for analyzing the free and forced vibroacoustic characteristics of submerged fluid-filled cylindrical shells in heavy fluids. The vibroacoustic interaction system of submerged cylindrical shells consists of three discrete regions: The Sanders shell theory is applied for the shell structure, whereas the wave equation is used to determine the fluid inside. The external fluid pressure on the shell is described using the Helmholtz boundary integral equation. The governing equations for the shell's motion, the formulation of the external fluid pressure on the fluid-structure-interaction (FSI) surface using first-class Chebyshev polynomial and Fourier series expansions, and the internal sound pressure employing two-dimensional Chebyshev polynomial and Fourier series expansions, are seamlessly integrated with Gauss-Chebyshev-Lobatto sampling techniques. Artificial springs are implemented to replicate the boundary conditions of the cylindrical shell. The precision of the proposed methodology is corroborated by comparisons with existing literature and finite element method (FEM) results. Furthermore, the research examines how the properties of the acoustical medium on the vibroacoustic responses of the cylindrical shell. Results indicate that the presence of air inside the shell slightly influence on its acoustic radiation. However, replacing the internal medium with water significantly alters the shell's original radiation characteristics.

The Important Role of Fluid Mechanics in the Engineering Field

Fluid mechanics, a fundamental discipline within engineering, has gained increasing significance across various fields due to continuous advancements in engineering science and technology. Its principles and methodologies find widespread application in aerospace, energy development, environmental protection, biomedicine, and beyond, serving as a cornerstone for technological progress. However, despite the expanding applications of fluid dynamics, challenges persist in integrating theory with practice in certain domains. This paper aims to synthesize exemplary applications of fluid mechanics in diverse engineering fields, illustrating its crucial role in addressing practical challenges. Additionally, it explores current problems and limitations in fluid dynamics applications, such as numerical simulation accuracy, multiphase flow complexity, and fluid-structure interaction nonlinearity. Furthermore, recommendations are provided for future fluid mechanics development, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced computational methods, and the seamless integration of experimental techniques and theoretical research. Through these discussions, this paper endeavors to offer insights into the ongoing development of fluid mechanics, fostering its broader application and deeper exploration within engineering disciplines.

Existence of a weak solution to a regularized moving boundary fluid-structure interaction problem with poroelastic media

Existence of a weak solution to a regularized moving boundary fluid-structure interaction problem with poroelastic media

Instability mechanisms initiating laminar–turbulent transition past bioprosthetic aortic valves

Bioprosthetic heart valves create turbulent flow during early systole which might be detrimental to their durability and performance. Complex mechanisms in the unsteady and heterogeneous flow field complicate the isolation of specific instability mechanisms. We use linear stability analysis and numerical simulations of the flow in a simplified model to study mechanisms initiating the laminar–turbulent transition. The analysis of a modified Orr–Sommerfeld equation, which includes a model for fluid–structure interaction (FSI), indicates Kelvin–Helmholtz and FSI instabilities for a physiological Reynolds number regime. Two-dimensional parametrized FSI simulations confirm the growth rates and phase speeds of these instabilities. The eigenmodes associated with the observed leaflet kinematics allow for decoupled leaflet oscillations. A detailed analysis of the temporal evolution of the flow field shows that the starting vortex interacts with the aortic wall leading to a secondary vortex which moves towards the shear layer in the wake of the leaflets. This appears to be connected to the onset of the shear layer instabilities that are followed by the onset of leaflet motion leading to large-scale vortex shedding and eventually to a nonlinear breakdown of the flow. Numerical results further indicate that a narrower aorta leads to an earlier onset of the shear layer instabilities. They also suggest that the growing perturbations of the shear layer instability propagate upstream and may initiate the FSI instabilities on the valve leaflets.

Revealing the mechanism of pack ceiling failure induced by thermal runaway in NCM batteries: A coupled multiphase fluid-structure interaction model for electric vehicles

Structure failure of lithium-ion battery (LIB) pack ceiling leads to the unintended release of combustible and poisonous substances during thermal runaway (TR), resulting in personnel injuries and financial losses. However, limited research has been conducted on the mechanism behind pack ceiling failures. In this study, we developed a coupled multiphase fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model to simulate the evolution of up-cover baffle under the TR impact of a 52 Ah NCM battery. Our findings reveal several important insights:1) the maximum force and temperature on the baffle are 13.01 N and 598.5 °C in experiment; 2) the simulation shows that particles exert higher temperature and greater force on the baffle compared to the gas phase; 3) the overall equivalent stress in the stainless-steel baffle surpasses the tensile strength that incurs crack on the baffles. According to the validated model, we find that the baffle structure failure is caused by the thermal stress from particle-structure heat conduction. Furthermore, this observation is applicable to the structure failure problems associated to the thermal runaway of high-density battery that involves enormous particles. In addition, the insulation layer is found to be more effective than the gap distance in protecting the pack ceiling. These findings offer a valuable insight into the structure design of LIB pack, and provide the guidance toward future battery integration technologies.

Nature-inspired miniaturized magnetic soft robotic swimmers

State-of-the-art biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery and laparoscopic surgery are extremely challenging because of the small length scales, the requirements of wireless manipulation, operational accuracy, and precise localization. In this regard, miniaturized magnetic soft robotic swimmers (MSRS) are attractive candidates since they offer a contactless mode of operation for precise path maneuvering. Inspired by nature, researchers have designed these small-scale intelligent machines to demonstrate enhanced swimming performance through viscous fluidic media using different modes of propulsion. In this review paper, we identify and classify nature-inspired basic swimming modes that have been optimized over large evolutionary timescales. For example, ciliary swimmers like Paramecium and Coleps are covered with tiny hairlike filaments (cilia) that beat rhythmically using coordinated wave movements for propulsion and to gather food. Undulatory swimmers such as spermatozoa and midge larvae use traveling body waves to push the surrounding fluid for effective propulsion through highly viscous environments. Helical swimmers like bacteria rotate their slender whiskers (flagella) for locomotion through stagnant viscid fluids. Essentially, all the three modes of swimming employ nonreciprocal motion to achieve spatial asymmetry. We provide a mechanistic understanding of magnetic-field-induced spatiotemporal symmetry-breaking principles adopted by MSRS for the effective propulsion at such small length scales. Furthermore, theoretical and computational tools that can precisely predict the magnetically driven large deformation fluid–structure interaction of these MSRS are discussed. Here, we present a holistic descriptive review of the recent developments in these smart material systems covering the wide spectrum of their fabrication techniques, nature-inspired design, biomedical applications, swimming strategies, magnetic actuation, and modeling approaches. Finally, we present the future prospects of these promising material systems. Specifically, synchronous tracking and noninvasive imaging of these external agents during in vivo clinical applications still remains a daunting task. Furthermore, their experimental demonstrations have mostly been limited to in vitro and ex vivo phantom models where the dynamics of the testing conditions are quite different compared the in vivo conditions. Additionally, multi-shape morphing and multi-stimuli-responsive modalities of these active structures demand further advancements in 4D printing avenues. Their multi-state configuration as an active solid-fluid continuum would require the development of multi-scale models. Eventually, adding multiple levels of intelligence would enhance their adaptivity, functionalities, and reliability during critical biomedical applications.

Numerical Simulation of a Submerged Floating Tunnel: Validation and Analysis

The dynamic response analysis of submerged floating tunnels (SFTs) under seismic action is a complex two-way fluid–structure coupling problem that requires expertise in structural dynamics, fluid mechanics, and advanced computational methods. The coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) method is a promising method for solving fluid–structure interaction problems, but its application to SFTs is not well established. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the accuracy and reliability of the CEL method in fluid–structure coupling simulations. This study verified the applicability of the CEL method for simulating one-way and two-way fluid–structure coupling cylindrical flow problems, and then applied the CEL method for the analysis of a shaking table test of a model SFT. A comparison of results obtained with the CEL method with those obtained in a previous indoor model test of an SFT demonstrates the agreement between the results of the CEL method and the overall trend of the experimental results, indicating the reliability of the method for the seismic analysis of SFTs. Moreover, the analysis of the dynamic response characteristics of SFTs under seismic conditions provides data support and a technological means for the seismic design of SFTs.

Effect of steel fibre with different orientations on mechanical properties of 3D-printed steel-fibre reinforced concrete: Mesoscale finite element analysis

It is widely recognized that steel fibres exhibit directional distribution during the preparation of 3D-printed steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC). The degree of fibre orientation varies due to several factors, such as nozzle size and layer height. This variation in fibre orientation range may result in different mechanical performance exhibited by 3D-printed SFRC at hardened state. To explore the relationship between steel fibre orientation and the mechanical properties of 3D-printed SFRC at hardened state, this study firstly establishes three-dimensional mesoscale finite element models based on the distribution of fibres in 3D-printed SFRC. The steel fibre and matrix work together through a mechanism for fluid-structure interaction between models. Then, compares the simulation results with experimental data to verify the accuracy of the models. After that, different steel fibre distribution orientations were set, and parametric analysis was conducted for the compressive and tensile loading conditions to explore the effects of fibre orientation on the damage mode and strength of 3D-printed SFRC. The results indicate that 3D-printed SFRC exhibits different damage modes with varying steel fibre orientation ranges. Additionally, the strength of 3D-printed SFRC varies in steel fibre orientation range and exhibits anisotropic characteristics. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving and controlling the performance of 3D-printed SFRC in future engineering applications.

Hydro-acoustic and structural analysis of marine propeller using two-way fluid–structure interaction

Hydro-acoustic and structural analysis of marine propeller using two-way fluid–structure interaction

Compressible FSI of elastic spikes for drag reduction under hypersonic flow

In this study, a new fluid structure interaction (FSI) algorithm is developed for the aerodynamic-elasticity problem, aiming to address the coupling problem between compressible fluids and deformable solid structures. To verify the feasibility of the proposed model, a two-dimensional cantilever panel case under shock waves was conducted. Our numerical results present good consistency with the data from literatures. Furthermore, the validated FSI algorithm is applied on an elastic spike under compressible hypersonic flow. The complicated interaction between the fluid and solid structure under various spike geometry sizes and materials were revealed in respect of the spike deformation, pressure, temperature, and flow fields distribution. The main findings show that the spike deformation largely affects pressure and temperature on the blunt, the aerodynamic drag and lift force, indicating the necessity of FSI. For the spike diameters and lengths, it is found that larger spike diameters and shorter spikes benefits for deformation reduction, thereby minimizing fluctuations in aerodynamic drag force. For spike materials, spikes with larger elastic moduli and lower densities are preferred for the drag reduction. Thus, the proposed FSI model can accurately predict flow fields around and deformations for elastic spikes and offer guidance for drag reduction design in aerospace engineering.