Multivariate interpolation for fluid-structure-interaction problems using radial basis functions

A multivariate interpolation scheme for coupling fluid (CFD) and structural models (FE) in three-dimensional space is presented using radial basis functions. For the purpose of numerical aeroelastic computations, a selection of applicable functions is chosen: a classical without compact support, and some recently presented smooth compactly supported radial basis functions. The scheme is applied to a typical static aeroelastic problem, the prediction of the equilibrium of an elastic wing model in transonic fluid flow. The resulting coupled field problem containing the fluid and the structural state equations is solved by applying a partitioned solution procedure. The structure is represented by finite elements and the related equations are solved using a commercial FE analysis code. The transonic fluid flow is described by the three-dimensional Euler equations, solved by an upwind scheme procedure.