Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI)

The fully coupled solution of fluid flows with structural interactions, is a rapidly evolving discipline and represents the natural next step in simulating mechanical systems.

Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) is a true multiphysics phenomenon where a fluid flowing around or within a structure causes it to change shape due to flow-induced pressure and shear loads, or to move and spin. In certain cases, FSI can be steady-state where the loads induced by the fluid are exactly balanced by the structure's reaction forces and the structure reaches a displaced equilibrium position in the fluid stream. FSI is often a transient occurrence, where the structural motions are dynamic and continuously vary with time. In either case, FSI simulations involve multiphysics coupling of fluid and solid mechanics.

Smart|Coupling offers special support for FSI analysis, by means of specific interfaces, tools and wizards for an easy and reliable bi-directional data transfer between CFD and FEA models.

SmartCoupling supports the major CFD and FEA codes in the market:

• CFD: Fluent, StarCD, CFX, Neutral formats (Tecplot, EnSight)
• FEA: Nastran, Ansys, Abaqus, I-Deas