An embedded Finite Element framework for the resolution of strongly coupled Fluid–Structure Interaction problems: application to volumetric and membrane-like structures

This work presents a Fluid–Structure Interaction framework for the robust and efficient simulation of strongly coupled problems involving arbitrary large displacements and rotations. We focus on the application of the proposed tool to lightweight membrane-like structures. Nonetheless, all the techniques we present in this work can be applied to both volumetric and volumeless bodies. To achieve this, we rely on the use of embedded mesh methods in the fluid solver to conveniently handle the extremely large deflections and eventual topology changes of the structure. The coupling between the embedded fluid and mechanical solvers is based on an interface residual black-box strategy. We validate our proposal by solving reference benchmarking examples that consider both volumetric and volumeless geometries. Whenever it is possible, we also compare the embedded solution with the one obtained with our reference body fitted solver. Finally we present a real-life application of the presented embedded Fluid–Structure Interaction solver.This research has been partly supported by the International Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Germany (IGSSE) and the European Commission (EC) through the projects ATMOPACE and ExaQUte (H2020-FETHPC-2016-2017-800898). The authors also acknowledge financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness , through the “Severo Ochoa Programme for Centres of Excellence in R&D” (CEX2018-000797-S). Rubén Zorrilla gratefully acknowledges the support of the Spanish ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities for his FPU grant (FPU15/03796).Peer Reviewe