An evaluation of computational algorithms to interface between CFD and CSD methodologies

Methods to transfer information from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to Computational Structural Dynamics (CSD) and vice versa have been evaluated. The data include geometry deformations, slopes and loads. The methods were evaluated for accuracy, robustness and case of use. Both interpolations and extrapolations were evaluated. Six methods were analyzed: Infinite Plate Splines, Multiquadrics, Thin Plate Splines, Non-Uniform B-Splines, Finite Plate Splines and Inverse Isoparametric Mapping. Of these, the Thin Plate Splines were the most accurate and robust, followed closely by Multiquadrics. The Infinite Plate Spline Method, although widely used, is not recommended.