Simulation Software for Fluids and SolidsSimulation Fluid-Structure Interaction Dam Break
The simulation of a fluid-structure interaction of a dam break can be performed with NOGRID points CFD software.
In this setup, a wall representing the dam is removed (switched off) at a defined time step, and the fluid (water) begins to move under the influence of gravity. The buildings in front of the dam are modeled as movable rigid bodies that are free to move unconstrained when forces act on them. The individual rigid bodies can collide with each other and change their direction of movement at will. Collisions between the rigid bodies and the walls are assumed to be perfectly inelastic in this study. In contrast to elastic collisions, inelastic collisions, do not conserve kinetic energy due to the action of internal friction. The software can handle both collision regimes controlled by a plasticity coefficient.
The fluid-rigid body interaction simulated in this study is solved in a fully coupled manner using a Lagrangian approach. Fully coupled means that the motion (translation and rotation) of the buildings (= the rigid bodies) and the fluid variables for velocity and pressure are solved simultaneously in a large solution matrix (no iterative switching back and forth between the solution variables necessary). In engineering, Fluid-Structure-Interaction (FSI) refers to the consideration of the mutual influence of moving, not necessarily rigid bodies and a flow. Such interactions between fluid flow and bodies occur in many physical applications.
The water flow causes both displacement and rotation of the rigid bodies due to the forces and torques exerted on the bodies by the fluid. Conversely, the movement of buildings causes changes in the flow. If the flow also changes due to the structure, there is a so-called real, two-sided fluid-rigid-body coupling. If several rigid bodies are involved, the movement of one body can of course also be affected by collisions with other bodies.
In this simulation, the buildings are assigned a weight and a mass moment of inertia, as is the case for any rigid body in the FSI coupling. The rigid body thus behaves in accordance with the forces acting on it from the fluid. Conversely, of course, the flow is also influenced by the motion of the movable rigid bodies. In this setup, the buildings are assumed to slide smoothly on the ground, i.e. without resistance from friction. In this case study the mutual rigid body-rigid body friction is force-free as well. The "dynamic friction" or Coloumb friction is implemented as the law of friction between the rigid bodies and walls, but it can be deactivated - as was done in this simulation.
NOGRID points can be perfectly applied for the 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 data that can be used to analyze and evaluate the performance efficiency of components or processes.
Capabilities of NOGRID points CFD software
NOGRID combines the capabilities to handle free surface flow and moving parts within the domain 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 FSI (Fluid-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.
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