Numerical Investigation of Turbulent Boundary Layer Dynamics Interacting with a Compliant Panel

The current study aimed to develop a robust and scalable model for numerical investigations of turbulent boundary layer mutually interacting with a compliant panel. The fluid domain is modelled by a hybrid turbulent finite-volume model which is coupled with a structural finite element model (FEM). Some high-performance computing aspects are explained and considered for numerical efficiency of a moderately-refined model. The recently developed Fluent’s native structure model is utilized to enhance coherency of the model, especially when it is to be partitioned for parallel computing. Low Courant number, reasonable y + value and a brief validation (against a Von Karman profile) enhance confidence in the validity of the model and enable temporal and spectral analysis. Illustrative results are presented for short period of real time (0.035 s for both cases) using a fixed time step of 10–4 s. Evaluating displacements of a rubber panel alongside transient readings indicate a wave pattern traveling in the flow direction. Downstream high-frequency components of turbulent fluctuations are shown to gain larger magnitude over a relatively stiff deforming wall.