Mathematics

Findings in Computational Mechanics Reported from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  2012 APR 17 - (VerticalNews.com) -- "The immersed finite element method (IFEM) is a novel numerical approach to solve fluid-structure interaction types of problems that utilizes non-conforming meshing concept. The fluid and the solid domains are represented independently," researchers in Troy, New York report.

  "The original algorithm of the IFEM follows the interpolation process as illustrated in the original immersed boundary method where the fluid velocity and the interaction force are explicitly coupled. However, the original approach presents many numerical difficulties when the fluid and solid physical properties have large mismatches, such as when the density difference is large and when the solid is a very stiff material. Both situations will lead to divergent or unstable solutions if not handled properly. In this paper, we develop a semi-implicit formulation of the IFEM algorithm so that several terms of the interfacial forces are implicitly evaluated without going through the force distribution process," wrote X.S. Wang and colleagues, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

  The researchers concluded: "Based on the 2-D and 3-D examples that we study in this paper, we show that the semi-implicit approach is robust and is capable of handling these highly discontinuous physical properties quite well without any numerical difficulties."

  Wang and colleagues published their study in Computational Mechanics (Semi-implicit formulation of the immersed finite element method. Computational Mechanics, 2012;49(4):421-430).

  For additional information, contact X.S. Wang, Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst, Dept. of Mech Aerosp & Nucl Engn, Troy, NY 12180, United States.

  Publisher contact information for the journal Computational Mechanics is: Springer, 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA.

  Keywords: City:Troy, State:New York, Country:United States, Region:North and Central America

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Mathematics editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2012, VerticalNews Mathematics via VerticalNews.com.