Development of alternative computational tools for advanced fluid-structure interaction problems

• Grant number: 24/05554-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Rodolfo André Kuche Sanches
• Grantee: Rodolfo André Kuche Sanches
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Humberto Breves Coda ; Jeferson Wilian Dossa Fernandes ; Ricardo Afonso Angélico ; Rogério Carrazedo

Abstract

Numerical analyses play an important role in solving complex engineering problems, such as fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems. Although significant advancements have been made in the development of numerical methods for these problems in recent decades, several challenges remain, especially in cases involving large distortions of the fluid domain and non-Newtonian constitutive models. Overcoming such challenges is essential for advancing the understanding and predictive capability of complex fluid-structure interaction phenomena, with direct applications in various engineering fields. This project aims to enhance a computational platform developed by the proposing team to address such challenges, expanding its applicability and contributing to the state of the art. The main motivation encompasses the simulation of four classes of problems: structures with large rotations, FSI problems with topological changes due to free surface effects or contact effects, FSI problems with porous solids, and simulation of fresh concrete flow. Such problems are crucial in various engineering areas but face practical limitations in both experimentation and computational simulation. Challenges include the development of effective numerical models to handle moving boundaries, topological changes, and non-Newtonian fluid behavior. Objectives include the development of models for multiphase flows, representation of complex boundary conditions, simulation of fluid-structure interactions with topological changes, implementation of non-Newtonian constitutive models, and study of efficient fluid-structure coupling techniques. In addition to contributing to technological advancements, this project promotes the training of qualified human resources in the field of computational mechanics and engineering. (AU)