Modelling of non-linear aeroelastic systems using a strongly coupled fluid-structure-interaction methodology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a robust fluid-structure-interaction (FSI) technology that can accurately model non-linear flutter responses for sub- and transonic fluid flow. The Euler equation set governs the fluid domain, which was spatially discretised by a vertex-centred edge-based finite volume method. A dual-timestepping method was employed for the purpose of temporal discretisation. Three upwind schemes were compared in terms of accuracy, efficiency and robustness, viz. Roe, HLLC (Harten-Lax-Van Leer with contact) and AUSM+-up Advection Up-stream Splitting Method). For this purpose, a second order unstructured MUSCL (Monotonic Upstream-centred Scheme for Conservation Laws) scheme, with van Albada limiter, was employed. The non-linear solid domain was resolved by a quadratic modal reduced order model (ROM), which was compared to a semi-analytical and linear modal ROM. The ROM equations were solved by a fourth order Runge-Kutta method. The fluid and solid were strongly coupled in a partitioned fashion with the information being passed at solver sub-iteration level. The developed FSI technology was verified and validated by applying it to test cases found in literature. It was demonstrated that accurate results may be obtained, with the HLLC upwind scheme offering the best balance between accuracy and robustness. Further, the quadratic ROM offered significantly improved accuracy when compared to the linear method.