Multiphysics coupling is one of the most challenging problems in engineering simulation. This article introduces the technical approach of the ExCAE independent solver for fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and thermo-mechanical coupling.
What Is Multiphysics Coupling?
In real engineering problems, more than one physical phenomenon is often at play. For example:
- Aircraft wings deform under aerodynamic loads (fluid-structure interaction)
- Engine components experience thermal expansion at high temperatures (thermo-mechanical coupling)
- Acoustic waves propagate through structures (acoustic-structure coupling)
Coupling Strategy Comparison
| Strategy | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| One-way coupling | Low computational cost | Ignores feedback effects |
| Two-way weak coupling | Good convergence | Limited accuracy |
| Two-way strong coupling | Highest accuracy | High computational cost |
ExCAE Solution Approach
The ExCAE independent finite element solver supports the following multiphysics coupling capabilities:
Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI)
Using an ALE (Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian) description-based FSI algorithm, supporting:
- Two-way coupling of incompressible fluids and elastic structures
- Mesh updating under large deformation conditions
- MPI-based parallel solving
Thermo-Mechanical Coupling
Supports steady-state and transient thermal analysis, including:
- Heat conduction, convection, and radiation boundary conditions
- Temperature-dependent material properties
- Superposition of thermal and mechanical strains
Application Case
In the analysis of aerospace engine turbine blades, the ExCAE solver successfully simulated the fully coupled process of high-temperature gas flow, blade temperature field distribution, and thermal stress distribution.
Want to learn more? Contact the ExCAE team for a technical white paper.