A 3D implicit unstructured-grid finite volume method for structural dynamics

In this work, a new vertex-based finite volume method (FVM) using unstructured grids and cell-based data structure is proposed for computational analysis of two-and three-dimensional (2D/3D) general structural dynamic problems. The governing equations are spatially discretized by the FVM and an implicit dual time stepping scheme is employed to integrate the equations in time. The proposed method is applied to calculate deformations and dynamics of 2D and 3D cantilevers, as well as simply supported and clamped square plates. Computational results obtained are found to agree well with analytical solutions. It can be a viable alternative to the traditional finite element method (FEM) for structural dynamic calculations. And it can be seamlessly integrated into FVM-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver for simulating fluid-structure interaction (FSI).