SPH-based framework for modelling fluid–structure interaction problems with finite deformation and fracturing

Abstract

Understanding crack propagation in structures subjected to fluid loads is crucial in various engineering applications, ranging from underwater pipelines to aircraft components. In this work, a computational framework is proposed to investigate the dynamic response of structures, including their damage and fracture behaviour under hydrodynamic load. The proposed framework employs weakly compressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) to model the fluid flow and a pseudo-spring-based SPH solver for modelling the structural response. The -SPH technique is implemented to enhance pressure calculations within the fluid phase. The pseudo-spring analogy is employed for modelling damage, where particle interactions are confined to their immediate neighbours. These particles are linked by springs, which do not contribute to system stiffness but determine the interaction strength between connected pairs. It is assumed that a crack propagates through a spring connecting a particle pair when the damage indicator of that spring exceeds a predefined threshold. The proposed framework is extensively validated through existing experimental and numerical data from the literature. The ability of the framework to accurately depict large material deformation, damage and fracture behaviour under hydrodynamic loads is showcased through a few numerical simulations.