Simulation Software for Fluids and SolidsSimulation Structure-Structure Interaction Domino Effect
In this article, we present a structure-structure interaction (SSI) simulation of tipping dominoes. The first domino is initially tilted and causes the others to fall. All dominoes are treated as rigid bodies, and the collisions are modeled as completely inelastic. This type of setup is referred to as a rigid body simulation (RBS).
The dominoes are modeled as rigid bodies and can move freely when forces act on them. Individual rigid bodies may collide with each other and change their direction of motion. In this study, collisions between the rigid bodies and the walls are assumed to be perfectly inelastic. Unlike elastic collisions, inelastic collisions do not conserve kinetic energy, due to the effect of internal friction. The NOGRID software can compute both elastic and inelastic collision regimes, which are controlled by a plasticity coefficient.
Rigid body simulation refers to the simulation of transient motion of rigid bodies. Rigid body mechanics deals with physical bodies that are assumed to be non-deformable. During the simulation, the rigid bodies can move, but the shape or structure remains unchanged. Various types of forces may act on the rigid body: gravity, magnetic forces, frictional forces, etc. These forces accelerate the rigid body, causing changes in its translational and rotational velocities. In addition, collisions between rigid bodies may occur, which result in sudden changes in the translational and rotational velocities of the bodies involved.
In this 3D example, a rigid domino topples onto another rigid body (see Figures 1 and 2). The simulation is solved in a fully coupled manner using the Lagrangian method. Fully coupled means that the stresses within the bodies are simultaneously resolved within a large solution matrix. Alternatively, the Eulerian method can also be applied to solve this case.
As with any rigid body in the FSI coupling, the dominoes in this simulation are assigned a weight and a mass moment of inertia. The rigid body thus behaves in accordance with the forces acting on it. If several rigid bodies are involved, the movement of one body can of course also be influenced by collisions with other bodies.
NOGRID points can be effectively used for the design and problem solving for all kinds of FSI processes. The software helps to understand the flow by computing and visualizing the mass, momentum, and motion of single and multiple rigid bodies. It provides receive transient values that can be used to analyze and evaluate the efficiency of the components or processes.
Capabilities of NOGRID points CFD software
NOGRID combines the capabilities to handle free surface flow and moving parts within the domain, and allows the simulation of any conceivable geometry and operating mode, such as
- fully 3D computation solving complete Navier-Stokes equations
- easy and intuitive setup also for SSI (Structure-Structure Interaction) cases
- freely definable material properties by equations or curves
- evaluation of chemical reactions and corresponding heat source terms
- open or closed domains, including inflow and outflow areas (non-batch mode)
- moving of parts
Why choose Nogrid?
NOGRID provides professional CFD software for the simulation of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and chemical reactions. Its efficient modelling workflow helps engineers analyse flow behaviour, evaluate designs and make informed decisions without creating a conventional volume mesh.
Faster model preparation
With NOGRID, only the geometry boundary needs to be meshed. The finite points inside the fluid domain are generated automatically according to user-defined settings, both at the start of the simulation and during the calculation.
This approach reduces preprocessing effort and makes it easier to prepare complex geometries and cavities for simulation.
Efficient CFD workflow
The modelling process follows four straightforward steps:
Build the geometry. Mesh the boundary. Define the simulation. Start the calculation.
NOGRID is designed to provide short computation times, including for applications involving complex cavities. Engineers can use the resulting data to examine flow distribution and other relevant flow characteristics.
Better insight into fluid-flow processes
CFD solves the fundamental equations governing fluid flow. NOGRID software enables engineers to predict and analyse the behaviour of fluids and related physical processes before or alongside physical testing.
The simulation results can support:
- evaluation and comparison of design alternatives
- optimisation of construction and operating parameters
- improved planning reliability
- reduction of development time and testing effort
- faster progression from design to market or operation
Steps from geometry generation to simulation results
TRAINING
Our two-day training courses teach participants how to set up, run and evaluate simulations efficiently with NOGRID CFD software. The courses include practical guidance for handling different types of simulation cases.
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Technical Support
Professional support is available from the beginning of your work with NOGRID. Our technical team assists users by telephone and email with software operation, case setup and simulation-related questions.
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Simulation Service
When internal time, expertise or resources are limited, NOGRID can support your project with individual numerical simulation services. Our engineers develop and evaluate CFD models based on the specific requirements of your application.
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