Co-simulation for fluid structure coupling

Co-simulation is a computational approach that enables the simulation of a system through parallel and coupled simulation of its parts. At Fraunhofer EMI, simulation methods are developed which permit the co-simulation of fluid structure coupled systems.

These methods are particularly suited for the analysis of explosively loaded engineering structures. This analysis goes beyond the verification that a structure can safely sustain the loading. It shall also cover the opposite case: the dynamic behavior of the failing structure has to be evaluated if the limits of the load bearing capacity is exceeded. In this case, the number, sizes and velocities of generated fragments must be analyzed to provide a quantitative assessment of hazards.

Suitable physical models are the basis for a successful application of our simulation methods in day-to-day research as well as efficient numerical methods and implementation into practice-oriented software tools. For this reason, we are continuously improving our software products: the APOLLO Blast Simulator for the fluid dynamics of explosion processes and the finite element code SOPHIA for structures under dynamic loading conditions.

Both codes have been extended by a universal interface for the co-simulation of fluid structure coupled systems. This way, new perspectives for the simulation-based analysis of complex physical interactions are gained.