Numerical modelling of the fluid-structure interaction of a cantilever panel with reflected shock impingement

Abstract: This work examines the numerical modeling of the fluid-structure interaction of a cantilever panel subjected to reflected shock impingement in a Mach 2 flow. The complexities arising from the transient startup and shutdown procedures of the facility and the initial impulsive load from the steady-state condition are discussed. The coupled simulations are conducted using the Ansys software suite. A comparison is provided between the coupled simulations and the reduced-order technique, piston theory. Preliminary results highlight the challenges of modeling fluid-structure interaction and provide insights into the mechanisms influencing high-speed vehicle performance. This experimental case shows promise for further research, particularly in examining the impact of chaotic and broadband startup processes. Future work will focus on refining the piston theory model and incorporating more detail into the coupled simulations. Keywords: Fluid-structure interaction, FSI, Coupling, Reduced order modelling, CFD, Supersonic, Structural dynamics