Research within ocean engineering deals with man-made (partially) submerged structures, which are subject to time dependent loads by the surrounding fluid. One major complication in the analysis of such problems is the unboundedness of the fluid domain, compared to the dimensions of the structure. It imposes certain difficulties in the numerical investigation of the problem.
Nowadays fluid-structure interaction problems are analyzed by coupling structural Finite Elements to Boundary Elements. However, such a procedure is rather expensive in terms of computer time.
Therefore, a promising approach is the development of Infinite Finite Elements to simulate the unbounded domain.
|
|
|
Based on recent advances in computational vibro-acoustics, Infinite Elements are refined for the investigation of dynamic loads on ocean engineering structures. Algorithms working in the frequency domain as well as in the time domain are to be implemented. The fluid region close to the strucure is simulated using conventional Finite Elements, while Infinite Elements approximate the Sommerfeld radiation condition of the far field.
Reliable Infinite Finite Elements to be employed in procedures for the calculation of dynamic loads on underwater structures will be derived. Numerical examples will be compared with results obtained with other numerical models, as well as with experimental data, if existent.
Researcher: Daniel Dreyer, S.M.,
MIT
Supervisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Otto von Estorff
Supported by: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Revised 10/01