Bubble Dynamics Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulation by Coupling Fluid Bem and Structural Fem Codes

Abstract The dynamics of bubbles and their interaction with nearby bodies, in the absence of structural deformation, have been studied effectively using boundary-element based computer programs. However, in practical applications, the structural response, deformation, and motion can significantly affect the bubble dynamics which controls structural loading, stresses, erosion and damage. In this paper we report on fully coupled fluid-structure modeling using our boundary element fluid codes (2DYNAFS, 3DYNAFS) and existing finite element structural codes (NIKE2D, NIKE3D) and present some example results. Significant effects due to the structural response on the bubble dynamics are observed including modification of the bubble period, re-entrant jet formation, and pressure generated on the solid body. These results indicate that structural characteristics can significantly affects erosion and damage to a structure by nearby cavitation or explosion bubbles.