Simulation Fluid-Structure Interaction 3D Sliding Cup

The simulation of a fluid-structure interaction of a sliding cup in 3D can be performed with NOGRID points CFD software.

In this fluid-structure coupling, the fluid is in a cup that slides down an inclined plane. No initial speed is imposed on the cup or fluid, but a bottom wall is turned off at a certain time, causing the cup and fluid to start rotating under their self weight. The cup slides down the inclined plane and is accelerated together with the fluid. The slip coefficient between the cup and the floor is assumed to be ideal here, i.e. there is no friction.

CAD creating groups for the 3D sliding cup case in NOGRID's COMPASS

Figure 1: CAD groups created in NOGRID's COMPASS

FSI 3D sliding cup case setup within NOGRID points CFD software's GUI

Figure 2: Setup of the FSI 3D sliding cup case

FSI 3D sliding cup GUI results in NOGRID points CFD software

Figure 3: Result view of the FSI 3D Sliding Cup case within NOGRID points' GUI

Animation FSI 3D sliding cup in NOGRID points CFD software

Figure 4: Animation of the 3D sliding cup case

The fluid-rigid body interaction simulated in this study is solved in a fully coupled manner using the Lagrangian method. Fully coupled means that the motion (translation and rotation) of the cup (= the rigid body) 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, this fluid-structure coupling (=FSI Fluid-Structure-Interaction) refers to the consideration of the mutual influence between a flow and moving bodies, which are not necessarily rigid. Such interactions occur in many physical applications. The flow, in this case in a rigid body, causes both displacement and rotation of that body due to the forces and torques exerted on the body by the fluid. Conversely, the motion of the body alters the flow field. When the flow is also affected by the structural response, this is referred to as a real, two-way fluid-structure coupling. If several rigid bodies are involved, the motion of one body can additionally be influenced by collisions with other bodies.

As with any rigid body in the FSI coupling, the cup in this simulation is assigned a weight and a mass moment of inertia. The rigid body therefore responds to the forces exerted on it by the fluid. Conversely, the flow is also influenced by the presence of the rigid body, as can be seen on the left, where the fluid spills over the rim of the cup.

NOGRID points can be effectively used 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. You receive integral quantities that can be used to evaluate the efficiency of components and processes.

Capabilities of NOGRID points CFD software

NOGRID combines the ability to handle free surface flows and moving parts within the domain and allows the simulation of virtually any 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

Whitepaper Nogrid points Technology

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.

For more details please refer to Training Courses →

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.

For more details please refer to Software Support →

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.