Advances of the Python-based Fluid-Structure Interaction capabilities included in SU2

TL;DR

This paper enhances the open-source SU2 code's Python-based Fluid-Structure Interaction framework, enabling efficient, high-fidelity aeroelastic simulations with standardized interfaces and a native solver, validated through diverse test cases.

Contribution

The authors extended SU2's FSI capabilities with a standardized interface, a native structural solver, and improved mesh deformation, facilitating easier, high-fidelity aeroelastic simulations.

Findings

Code performs well across all test cases

Validated against analytical, experimental, and wind tunnel data

Demonstrates potential for industrial aeroelastic applications

Abstract

Current research efforts in aeroelasticity aim at including higher fidelity aerodynamic results into the simulation frameworks. In the present effort, the Python--based Fluid--Structure Interaction framework of the well known SU2 code has been updated and extended to allow for efficient and fully open-source simulations of detailed aeroelastic phenomena. The interface has been standardised for easier inclusion of other external solvers and the comunication scheme between processors revisited. A native solver has been introduced to solve the structural equations coming from a Nastran--like Finite Element Model. The use of high level programming allows to perform simulations with ease and minimum human work. On the other hand, the Computational Fluid Dynamics code of choice has efficient lower level functions that provide a quick turnaround time. Further, the aerodynamic code is currently actively developed and exhibits interesting features for computational aeroelasticity, including an effective means of deforming the mesh. The developed software has been assessed against three different test cases, of increasing complexity. The first test involved the comparison with analytical results for a pitching-plunging airfoil. The second tackled a three-dimensional transonic wing, comparing experimental results. Finally, an entire wind tunnel test, with a flexible half-plane model, has been simulated. In all these tests the code performed well, increasing the confidence that it will be useful for a large range of applications, even in industrial settings. The final goal of the research is to provide with an excellent and free alternative for aeroelastic simulations, that will leverage the use of high-fidelity in the common practise.