Simulation Software for Fluids and SolidsSimulation Structure-Structure Interaction Many Boxes
In this article, we present a structure-structure interaction (SSI) simulation between falling boxes. The blocks or boxes are not stored stably, so they start to fall. All boxes/blocks behave like rigid bodies and the collisions are completely inelastic. This is referred to as a so-called rigid body simulation (RBS).
The boxes are modeled as rigid bodies and are free to move unconstrained when forces act on them. The individual rigid bodies can collide with each other and can change their direction of movement. The collisions between the rigid bodies and the walls are assumed to be completely inelastic collisions in this study. An inelastic collision, unlike an elastic collision, is a collision in which kinetic energy is not conserved due to the effect of internal friction. The NOGRID software can compute both collision regimes controlled by a plasticity coefficient.
Rigid body simulation refers to the simulation of the transient motion of rigid bodies. Rigid body mechanics deals with physical bodies that are assumed to be non-deformable. During the simulation, the rigid bodies can move, but their shape or structure remains unchanged. Various types of forces may act on a rigid body: gravity, magnetic forces, frictional forces, etc. These forces accelerate the rigid body, causing changes in its translational and rotational velocities. In addition, collisions between rigid bodies may occur, which result in sudden changes in the translational and rotational velocities of the bodies involved.
In this 3D example, several boxes fall and interact with each other (see Figures 1 - 4). The simulation is solved in a fully coupled manner using the Lagrangian method. Fully coupled means that the stresses within the bodies are simultaneously resolved in a large solution matrix. Alternatively, the Eulerian method can also be applied to solve this case.
As with any rigid body in FSI coupling, the boxes in this simulation are assigned a weight and a mass moment of inertia. Each rigid body therefore responds to the forces acting on it. When several rigid bodies are involved, the motion of one body may also be influenced by collisions with others.
NOGRID points can be effectively used for design and problem solving for all kinds of FSI processes. The software helps to understand the flow by computing and visualizing the mass, momentum, and motion of single or multiple rigid bodies. It provides transient values that can be used to analyze and evaluate the efficiency of components and processes.
Capabilities of NOGRID points CFD software
NOGRID combines the capabilities to handle free surface flow and moving parts in the domain and allows the simulation of any conceivable geometry and operating mode, such as
- fully 3D computation solving the complete Navier-Stokes equations
- easy and intuitive setup also for SSI (Structure-Structure Interaction) cases
- freely definable material properties by equations or curves
- evaluation of chemical reactions and corresponding heat source terms
- open or closed domains, including inflow and outflow areas (non-batch mode)
- moving of parts
Why choose Nogrid?
NOGRID provides professional CFD software for the simulation of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and chemical reactions. Its efficient modelling workflow helps engineers analyse flow behaviour, evaluate designs and make informed decisions without creating a conventional volume mesh.
Faster model preparation
With NOGRID, only the geometry boundary needs to be meshed. The finite points inside the fluid domain are generated automatically according to user-defined settings, both at the start of the simulation and during the calculation.
This approach reduces preprocessing effort and makes it easier to prepare complex geometries and cavities for simulation.
Efficient CFD workflow
The modelling process follows four straightforward steps:
Build the geometry. Mesh the boundary. Define the simulation. Start the calculation.
NOGRID is designed to provide short computation times, including for applications involving complex cavities. Engineers can use the resulting data to examine flow distribution and other relevant flow characteristics.
Better insight into fluid-flow processes
CFD solves the fundamental equations governing fluid flow. NOGRID software enables engineers to predict and analyse the behaviour of fluids and related physical processes before or alongside physical testing.
The simulation results can support:
- evaluation and comparison of design alternatives
- optimisation of construction and operating parameters
- improved planning reliability
- reduction of development time and testing effort
- faster progression from design to market or operation
Steps from geometry generation to simulation results
TRAINING
Our two-day training courses teach participants how to set up, run and evaluate simulations efficiently with NOGRID CFD software. The courses include practical guidance for handling different types of simulation cases.
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Technical Support
Professional support is available from the beginning of your work with NOGRID. Our technical team assists users by telephone and email with software operation, case setup and simulation-related questions.
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Simulation Service
When internal time, expertise or resources are limited, NOGRID can support your project with individual numerical simulation services. Our engineers develop and evaluate CFD models based on the specific requirements of your application.
For more details please refer to Software Support →