Automatic mesh update with the solid-extension mesh moving technique

In computation of fluid-structure interactions involving large displacements, we use a mesh update method composed of mesh moving and remeshing-as-needed. For problems with complex geometries, we need automatic mesh moving techniques that reduce the need for remeshing. We also would like that these mesh moving techniques allow us to control mesh resolution near the fluid-structure interfaces so that we can represent the boundary layers more accurately. In the mesh moving techniques we designed, the motion of the nodes is governed by the equations of elasticity, and mesh deformation is handled selectively based on element sizes and deformation modes. This is helping us reduce the frequency of remeshing. With the solid-extension mesh moving technique presented in this paper, we are also able to limit mesh distortion in thin layers of elements placed near fluid-structure interfaces. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.