Fast high fidelity CFD/CSM fluid structure interaction using RBF mesh morphing and modal superposition method

Purpose This paper aims to present a fast and effective approach to tackle complex fluid structure interaction problems that are relevant for the aeronautical design. Design/methodology/approach High fidelity computer-aided engineering models (computational fluid dynamics [CFD] and computational structural mechanics) are coupled by embedding modal shapes into the CFD solver using RBF mesh morphing. Findings The theoretical framework is first explained and its use is then demonstrated with a review of applications including both steady and unsteady cases. Different flow and structural solvers are considered to showcase the portability of the concept. Practical implications The method is flexible and can be used for the simulation of complex scenarios, including components vibrations induced by external devices, as in the case of flapping wings. Originality/value The computation mesh of the CFD model becomes parametric with respect to the modal shape and, so, capable to self-adapt to the loads exerted by the surrounding fluid both for steady and transient numerical studies.