A partitioned model for fluid-structure interaction problems using hexahedral finite elements with one-point quadrature

A partitioned numerical model for fluid-structure interaction analysis of incompressible flows and structures with geometrically non-linear behavior is presented in this work. The flow analysis is performed considering the well-known Navier-Stokes equations for Newtonian fluids and the continuity equation, obtained from the pseudo-compressibility hypothesis. An explicit two-step Taylor-Galerkin scheme is employed in the time discretization procedure of the system of governing equations, which is expressed in terms of an arbitrary Lagrangean-Eulerian description. The structural subsystem is analyzed using a geometrically non-linear elastic model and the respective equation of motion is discretized in the time domain employing the Generalized-a scheme. Fluid-structure coupling is taken into account regarding a new energy-conserving partitioned scheme with non-linear effects, which is accomplished by enforcing equilibrium and kinematical compatibility conditions at the solid-fluid interface. Non-matching meshes and subcycling are also considered in the present model. The finite element method is employed for spatial discretizations using eight-node hexahedral elements with one-point integration in both fields. Some numerical examples are simulated in order to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed formulation. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.