| Abstract: | This study develops a fluid finite element compatible with existing structural finite elements with the ultimate objective of analysing solid-fluid interaction problems. This type of problem is of interest in the design of nuclear components involving geometric complexities and nonlinearities. Employing the weighted residual method, the differential equations governing the pressure distribution in a two-dimensional viscous flow subjected to small amplitude oscillations are discretized on finite element subdivisions of the fluid region. The elemental inertia, damping and volumetric fluidity matrices are computed for plane, axisymmetric, triangular and quadrilateral fluid elements. These matrices are then assembled for all the system elements and the final differential equations are integrated numerically in time to obtain the pressure and velocity distribution in the flow region. The analysis is verified analytically by solving a wave propagation flow problem consisting of fluid between two flat plates initially at rest and accelerated suddenly by applying a step pressure at one end. |
