ataengineering / abaqus

A Loci/CHEM module to enable co-simulation with an Abaqus finite element model.

Abaqus Module

This module was developed by ATA Engineering as an add-on to the Loci/CHEM computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. The module can be used to couple Loci/CHEM to the computational structural dynamics (CSD) solver Abaqus. The module uses the Simulia Co-Simulation Engine (CSE) API to map data between the fluid and solid meshes. The CSE is responsible for synchronizing the solvers in time and passing data between them through memory instead of file I/O. Both mechanical and thermal coupling are supported in time accurate, quasi-static, and steady state manners. Mechanical coupling for aeroelastic simulations involves Loci/CHEM importing displacements on the interface surface from Abaqus. Loci/CHEM will the morph its mesh as a result of these displacements, and calculate the aerodynamic forces on the interface surface. These forces are exported to Abaqus and applied to the finite element model (FEM). Thermal coupling works in a similar fashion, where Loci/CHEM will import a temperature on the interface surface and export a heat flux on that same surface to Abaqus.

Pressure contours on a complient panel [1].

References

[1] Blades, E.L., P.N. Shah, M. Nucci, and R.S. Miskovish. Demonstration of Multiphysics Analysis Tools on Representative Hypersonic Vehicle Structures. 54th AIAA Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference. April 8-11, 2013, Boston, Massachusetts.
[2] Blades, E.L., et al. Towards a Coupled Multiphysics Analysis Capability for Hypersonic Vehicle Structures. 52nd AIAA Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference. April 4-7, 2011, Denver, Colorado.
[3] Blades, E.L., et al. A Multiphysics Simulation Capability Using the Simulia Co-Simulation Engine. 20th AIAA Computational Fluid Dynamics Conference. June 27-30, 2011, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dependencies

This module depends on both Loci and CHEM being installed. Loci is an open source framework developed at Mississippi State University (MSU) by Dr. Ed Luke. The framework provides a rule-based programming model and can take advantage of massively parallel high performance computing systems. CHEM is a full featured open source CFD code with finite-rate chemistry built on the Loci framework. CHEM is export controlled under the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Both Loci and CHEM can be obtained from the SimSys Software Forum hosted by MSU.

This module also leverages the CSE and is intended for co-simulation with an Abaqus FEM, so licenses for the CSE and Abaqus are required.

Obtaining The Module

The source code for the module is freely available to the US Government under SBIR data rights. For more information and to request a copy please contact [email protected].