The fluid-structure interaction problem is considered a recent discipline due to its numerical complexity. In the past, solid mechanics assumed that the fluid acted as a constant mass or pressure, while fluid experts treated the solid as a fixed rigid structure. These assumptions are no longer relevant thanks to the computer and mathematical developments.

From the breakdown of steam generators by vibrations (energy) to the behaviour of aeroplane wings (aeronautics), including the movements of suspended bridges and ropes under the wind’s effect (constructions), and even the blood vessels deformation under the effect of the heartbeat outcome (biomechanics): all these behaviours are induced by a phenomenon of a fluid flow in interaction with a structure.

The challenge of simulating Fluid-Structure Interaction phenomena is societal because it allows avoiding service failures in sensitive sectors (nuclear, construction, pressurized equipment, etc.).

Program:

In the introduction, we will recall the societal issues by illustrating them through concrete cases (heat generator rupture, sloshing in tanks, aircraft wing vibration, etc.)

Then we will present the phenomenology of Fluid-Structures Interaction and the currently existing numerical methods which make 2 different families interact: the fluidic calculus family and the structural calculus family. In this context, we will present the techniques of coupling fluidic and structure models in addition to thermal phenomena. Finally, we will illustrate with concrete industrial cases of numerical simulation.