An edge-based smoothed finite element framework for partitioned simulation of vortex-induced vibration problems

This article proposes an edge-based smoothed finite element method (ESFEM) for predicting vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of multiple rigid and elastic structures. The ESFEM is applied to discretize the Navier-Stokes and elastodynamic equations with three-node triangular (T3) element. The fluid excitation is also evaluated in the edge-based notion. New integration points are arranged in local smoothing domains to ease the resultant approximation. Dynamic grids are moved by an efficient two-level mesh scheme. The fluid-structure mechanical system is formulated under the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian description which enables tight coupling of interacting fields in a partitioned way. Especially, the geometric conservation law is respected for the ESFEM through a mass source term constructed in the T3 element context. The developed technique is validated against previously published data for three low-Reynolds-number VIV problems. Flow features and structural responses have been correctly identified therein as a result of the numerical prediction.

Automated summary

This article proposes an edge-based smoothed finite element method (ESFEM) for predicting vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of multiple rigid and elastic structures. The method discretizes the Navier-Stokes and elastodynamic equations, uses triangular elements, and considers fluid excitation and dynamic grid movement. The technique is formulated under the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian description, respecting the geometric conservation law. It has been validated against low Reynolds number VIV problems with accurate predictions of flow features and structural responses.