3D Modeling of Fluid-Structure Interaction With External Flow Using Coupled LBM and FEM

Abstract

Three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction was modeled using the coupled lattice Boltzmann and finite element methods. The latter technique was applied to model a structural behavior while the former was used to model a fluid field. For computationally efficient modeling of an external flow over embedded pipes with their interaction, the pipes were modeled using 3D beam elements rather than shell elements. This paper presented an algorithm on how to couple 3D beam elements with the lattice Boltzmann grids so that the fluid-structure interaction could be properly modeled at the outer surfaces of the pipes. Some numerical examples were analyzed using the developed technique, and the fluid-structure interaction characteristics were examined through the examples.