Engineering continues to evolve, improving the way analyses and calculations were previously performed to launch projects. Today, applications, systems, computational models, and other tools are used to ensure greater efficiency in these processes.
The simulations themselves have undergone numerous optimizations over time, keeping pace with the latest technologies, including those in the field of multiphysics. In this context, FSI—Fluid-Structure Interaction—is a term that frequently comes up in discussions on this topic.
The following will discuss what FSI analysis is and how it is applied in industry.
What is FSI analysis?
In general, interactions between a rigid structure and a flowing fluid can be observed in various industrial settings. In this regard, the analysis of fluid-structure interaction involves combining the laws governing fluid dynamics with the mechanics of structures.
In addition, to perform an FSI analysis, one must have a thorough understanding of the principles and techniques used in analysis through the finite element method (FEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
Check out some of the texts on the Kot Blog on these topics in the links below:
In short, these interactions can be observed from two points of view: the behavior of the fluid after encountering the structure or the behavior of the structure under the action of the fluid flow.
Considering Fluid-Structure Interaction in design and modeling
Fluid can be defined as a substance that deforms continuously when subjected to a shearing force, regardless of the magnitude of that force. [2]
When bulk materials have high moisture content, they can behave similarly to fluids, as demonstrated in one of Kot’s success stories. In the study in question, an FSI analysis was performed on a highly moist granular material stored in a silo. Under these conditions, the material accumulates on the walls of the silo until the mass detaches and flows downward, forming an avalanche.
Consequently, this avalanche moves toward the extraction feeder, which is not designed to handle this feed condition and suffers severe impacts, enough to cause its metal structure to collapse. The simulation shown in Video 1 depicts the event from the analysis.
Video 1: FSI analysis of a silo avalanche. [3]
On the other hand, in other applications, there are industrial mixers, which have moving parts and are considered essentially rigid components that agitate a fluid; they are responsible, for example, for incorporating particles into liquids. In this context, mixing efficiency is, above all, the most important factor to be taken into account.
In addition, it is possible to calculate the stresses in the agitators. Solid structures can be treated as fully stationary obstacles in the fluid flow in order to calculate the stresses in the solid materials.
FSI analysis and its applications in industry
In various industrial scenarios, the flow of fluids, such as air and water, can result in great stresses and strains in structures. These, in turn, can cause vibrations and critical deformations in rigid bodies.
In addition, FSI analyses can be performed on a variety of industrial assets. Some of the possible applications include:
-
- Analysis of the effects generated by vortices in submerged structures, such as dam gates, pipes, etc..;
-
- Analysis of aerospace components;
-
- Analysis of components in the naval industry;
-
- Analysis of automotive components;
-
- Components of agitation systems such as reactors, mixers, thickeners, etc;
Conclusion
In short, FSI analyses have broad applicability in industrial settings, yielding results that provide a physical and mathematical understanding of effects not visible to the naked eye. For example, one can cite the design of components for an agitation system capable of withstanding the stresses generated by fluid movement, or the design of a structure capable of withstanding the impact of a flowing fluid.
In this way, it becomes possible to design structures with greater slenderness and lower costs, increase process efficiency (agitation efficiency), measure the estimated useful life of assets under the operating conditions in which it is inserted, among other things.
Kot has extensive experience in this area and can assist your business. Consult our team to assess the possibilities for application in your context.
Follow our pages on LinkedIn, Facebook e Instagram to keep up with our content.
References:
[1] https://br.comsol.com/multiphysics/fluid-structure-interaction
[2] STREETER, V. L. Fluid Mechanics. 1951.
[3] Kot Engenharia Collection.
