Finite element mesh update methods for fluid-structure interaction simulations

Mesh updating is a problem commonly encountered in fluid-structure interaction simulations when structures undergo a large displacement. In this paper, a set of mesh updating strategies based on a "pseudo-solid" model is proposed. Generally, a homogeneous analysis is first performed on the pseudo-solid with prescribed boundary displacements. Different element properties and external forces are then introduced based on strain results from the first analysis. A second analysis is performed on this non-homogeneous model with the goal to maintain element aspect ratio while preserving element volumes. Several numerical simulations are conducted using different combinations of strategies proposed in this paper. In general, the proposed strategies significantly enhance the performance of the pseudo-solid mesh updating method. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.