On the Finite Element Analysis of Shells and their Full Interaction with Navier-Stokes Fluid Flows

Our objective is to present an oveliew of some of our latest research and developments in the finite element analysis of shells, Navier-Stokes fluid flows and the fulI interactions of these flows with general shell structures. In the area of shell analysis, we have studied some generic physical behaviours of shells with specific emphasis on boundary and intemal layers as the thickness of the shell decreases. Furthermore, we have studied how best to evaluate general finite element discretization schemes when considering the variety of shell behaviours. We review in this paper some of the results obtained. In the area of fluid flow analysis, we are developing a new solution approach (a flow-condition-based interpolation, FCBI, finite element scheme) to solve high Reynolds number incompressible fluid flows. This scheme has a number of advantages as discussed and demonstrated in the paper. In particular, the procedure is useful for the solution of fluid flows fully coupled to shells and other stluctures. Kel.words: shells, asymptotic analyses, high Re flows, fluid-flow structural interactions, finite element solutions