A generalized framework of two-way coupled numerical model for fluid-structure-seabed interaction (FSSI): Explicit algorithm

Abstract

In a complex marine dynamics environment, the consideration of fluid-structure-seabed interaction (FSSI) plays a vital role in reliably analyzing the dynamic response of marine structures, and in assessing their structural dynamic stability. Currently, the predominant numerical analysis used worldwide for the problems of wave-seabed interaction and seawater-structure-seabed interaction is primarily the one-way coupling method. While only a few two-way coupled models are being developed. Consequently, two issues are brought up: (1) For the cases involving small deformation and displacement, the degree of discrepancy can't be quantitatively identified between the results obtained respectively from one-way coupling models and two-way coupled models which are more rigorous in mathematics and physics. (2) For the cases involving large deformation and displacement, one-way coupling models should be non-applicable. To address this problem, this study first proposes an explicit two-way coupling theory for the fluid-structure-seabed interaction. Then, a two-way coupled numerical model is developed by integrating the soil-structure dynamics software FssiCAS, and an OpenFOAM-based CFD solver OlaFlow by utilizing the data exchange library preCICE. This two-way coupled model has been embedded into the software FssiCAS. The reliability of the developed two-way coupled model is systematically validated through a rigorous verification process. Subsequently, a comparative study is conducted between the newly developed two-way coupled model and the existing one-way coupling model, to investigate the ocean wave-seabed interaction, as well as the interaction process between ocean wave, a breakwater, and seabed foundation. A comprehensive analysis is performed by comparing the differences in the wave profiles in fluid domain, dynamic displacement of structure and seabed foundation, seepage, pore pressure accumulation, and liquefaction in seabed foundation solved by the two-way and one-way coupled models. Finally, the suitability of the one-way and two-way coupled models in different applicable scenarios was discussed.