Efficient partitioned methods for the computation of fluid-structure interaction on parallel computers

The numerical simulation of fluid-structure interaction is one of the most interesting problems in scientific computing. In this paper partitioned methods, i.e. the use of different codes for the different physical domains, are considered for the computation of fluid-structure interaction. We describe the coupling of two different codes for the fluid and the structure part using a general coupling interface library. For the coupling of two codes with a staggered and partitioned procedure, it is investigated how to obtain a stable, yet efficient overall algorithm. On a parallel computer, the issue of load balancing and communication costs demands additional attention. Staggering and coupling procedures, which achieve high parallel efficiency, are described.