In Fluid Structural Interaction analysis (FSI analysis), Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers are directly coupled for an advanced multi-physics analysis capability. FSI analyses can be fully coupled (two way) feeding information continuously in both directions between both FEA and CFD solvers or can just be connected in a one direction with the one solver result serving as the initial condition for the secondary solver solution.

Multi-physics analyses enable reality to be more accurately predicted and are essential for products where either their operation involves the coupling of physics or where their physical testing maybe complex and expensive. FSI simulations enable the full interaction between deformable bodies and their adjacent flows to be solved. The resultant structural stresses or deformation of a body under a changing flow induced loading can be readily quantified therefore providing an effective tool to avoid harmful resonances or evaluate structural fatigue life under a cyclic fluid induced loading (e.g. vortex shedding).

Likewise for the CFD simulations, the deformation of a body under flow induced loading and the subsequent modification of the flow field under this loading can be computed iteratively for more accurate calculation of the relevant fluid mechanics.

FSI has a range of applications especially on those structures subject to high or cyclic fluid loading (e.g. localised vortex shedding or waves) and include products as follows: aerofoils, building and industrial structures, valves, sloshing in tanks, aero-elastic instabilities such as flutter and compressor rotor-stator interaction in compressors.