Fluid-structure interaction involving large deformations: 3D simulations and applications to biological systems

Area of Science:

• Computational fluid dynamics
• Solid mechanics
• Biophysics

Background:

• Modeling three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction (FSI) with large deformations in flexible bodies is crucial for understanding biological systems.
• Existing numerical methods often lack the accuracy and efficiency required for such complex simulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an enhanced computational framework for three-dimensional FSI simulations.
• To combine an immersed-boundary flow solver with a nonlinear finite-element solid-mechanics solver for improved accuracy and efficiency.

Main Methods:

• A Cartesian grid-based viscous incompressible flow solver handling large displacements was coupled with a nonlinear finite-element solid-mechanics solver.
• The solid-mechanics solver incorporates geometric and material nonlinearities for general 3D bodies and thin-walled structures.
• A strong coupling, partitioned approach was employed for fluid-structure interaction.

Main Results:

• The combined method demonstrated successful simulation of complex 3D FSI problems.
• Validation cases were performed, contributing to the FSI benchmark database.
• The approach proved versatile in applications like insect aerodynamics and vocal fold vibration.

Conclusions:

• The developed computational method offers an accurate and efficient solution for 3D FSI with large deformations.
• This advancement facilitates the study of complex biological and engineered systems involving fluid-structure interactions.