Fluid-Thermal-Structure Interaction Methodology Coupled with Cavitation Models in the Loci-STREAM CFD Solver

The work presented here involves a fluid-thermal-structure-interaction (FTSI) methodology coupled to cavitation modeling capability embedded in an advanced CFD tool called Loci-STREAM. Loci-STREAM is a massively parallel, all-speed Navier-Stokes solver which integrates proven numerical methods for generalized grids and state-of-the-art physical models in a rule-based programming framework called Loci which allows: (a) seamless integration of multidisciplinary physics in a unified manner, and (b) automatic handling of massively parallel computing. The coupled, time-accurate cavitation and FTSI capability developed in Loci-STREAM has been verified using model problems and then successfully demonstrated for cavitation in a moving, conducting and deforming valve geometry. This advanced coupled cavitation-FTSI capability will allow an accurate modeling of transient fluid-structure interactions (including cryogenic fluids) to predict the dynamic loads on and frequency responses of immersed structural components.