3–5 Jun 2026
Pisa
Europe/Rome timezone

A Partitioned Solver for the Fluid-Solid Interaction of Lightweight Flexible Structures

5 Jun 2026, 10:00
15m
Aula B

Aula B

MS01 - Advanced Numerical Methods and Models for Coupled Solid Problems and Multiphysics Systems MS01 - Advanced Numerical Methods and Models for Coupled Solid Problems and Multiphysics Systems

Speaker

Mario Pistis (University of Cagliari)

Description

The characteristic behaviour of highly flexible structures, such as membranes and cable-like systems, in Fluid–Solid Interaction (FSI) conditions, typically involves strong fluid–structure nonlinear coupling due to the low solid-to-fluid mass ratio, the bending rigidity of the structure, and the Reynolds number of the problem. Additional nonlinearities include large structural displacement and those of material.

This work presents highlights from ongoing research aimed at developing a fully open-source tool for simulating the FSI response of this class of structures. The proposed framework relies on coupling Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computational Structural Mechanics (CSM) solvers. Currently, we have developed a workflow for a partitioned approach, using an Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) formulation. Within this context, the choice of simulation and acceleration method parameters as well as moving-mesh approach is crucial, given their critical role in determining the convergence and robustness of the coupled simulation.

In this talk, we will present the results of a series of FSI simulations of flapping flag-like structures. The first objective is to identify the most critical numerical strategies for obtaining stable and accurate solutions. The second objective is to propose possible improvements to establish a robust and reproducible workflow for the FSI analysis of highly flexible structures. Finally, we will conclude by discussing future developments based on alternate mesh-moving techniques or Immersed/Embedded Boundary Methods (IBM/EBM).

Author

Mario Pistis (University of Cagliari)

Co-authors

Prof. Antonio Cazzani (University of Cagliari) Dr Giorgio Fotia (University of Cagliari) Dr Pier Giuseppe Ledda (University of Cagliari) Prof. Victor A. Eremeyev (University of Cagliari)

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