Simulation Fluid-Structure Interaction Elastic Beam

In this study we present the simulation of a Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) case with an elastic beam. In engineering, fluid-structure coupling or fluid-structure interaction refers to the consideration of the mutual influence of structure and flow. The mutual influence of structure and flow is an interesting phenomenon that often occurs in nature and technology. It occurs on deformable and/or movable structures around or through the fluid flows. The structure deforms under the forces imposed by the flow. In the case of highly deformable structures, the flow is very often disturbed by the structure and thus influenced. In this case, there is a real, two-sided fluid-structure coupling.

GUI setup FSI elastic beam case in NOGRID points CFD softwar

Figure 1: Setup FSI elastic beam case within NOGRID points

FSI elastic beam deformed structure, computed with NOGRID points CFD software

Figure 2: Deformed elastic beam (red color) at steady state

Elastic beam in steady state, temperature plot with velocity vectors in NOGRID points CFD software

Figure 3: Temperature plot with velocity vectors for the elastic beam at steady state

Animation of the FSI elastic beam deformation over time in NOGRID points CFD software

Figure 4: Animation of the FSI elastic beam

In this simple 2D example an elastic beam is located within a fluid channel. The fluid flows from left to right and imposes forces on the elastic beam. The elastic beam starts to deform until a steady state between fluid and solid forces is reached. The simulation is solved fully coupled using the Lagrange method. Fully coupled means the stress within the beam and the fluid variables for velocity and pressure are solved simultaneously in one big solution matrix. The Euler method is also available to solve this case.

In addition to stress, velocity and pressure the temperature is computed for both structure and fluid as well. In figure 4 you can see the evolution of the deformation and the temperature over time until a steady state for the deformation and for the temperature is reached.

This model can act as basis for more complex structures and will give you a better understanding of the fluid structure coupling and helps to improve your design regarding efficiency and costs.

NOGRID points can perfectly be used for designing and problem solving for all kinds of FSI processes. The structure deformation, the temperature and the cooling/heating rate can be predicted. NOGRID points helps to understand the flow by visualization of the mass, momentum and heat transfer of single and multiple phases. You receive integral quantities which you can use to analyze the FSI process efficiency.

Capabilities of NOGRID points software

NOGRID unites the capabilitiy to handle FSI problems 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 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

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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.