FSI and CFD Analysis Package

Categories: Abaqus, CEL and Eulerian, CFD & FSI, Course, Finite Element, FSI and CFD, Multiphase Flow, Sloshing

Peyman Karampour

Level

All Levels
Duration

3 hours 56 minutes
Last Updated

November 8, 2025
Certificate

Certificate of completion

30 people watching this product now!

In this comprehensive course, you will explore the fundamentals and advanced concepts of Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using Abaqus software. Through 14 detailed, hands-on tutorials, you will gain both theoretical understanding and practical simulation experience. Each tutorial includes Abaqus model files and a relevant research paper to support your learning.
The course covers a wide range of engineering applications, including:
Thermal mixing and reverse flow
T-junction flow and blood vessel simulations
FSI analysis of flexible metals
Hydroforming and explosive forming
Non-Newtonian fluid modeling for water and blood
Fluid impact, sloshing behavior, and more
Throughout the lessons, you will learn to apply advanced numerical methods such as the CFD solver, Co-simulation, Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL), Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), and FSI coupling. By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of fluid–structure simulation techniques and the ability to perform robust CFD and FSI analyses within Abaqus.

About Course

Introduction to Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI)

Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) refers to the mutual interaction between a fluid (liquid or gas) and a solid structure. In an FSI system, the motion or deformation of the structure affects the flow of the fluid, and conversely, the fluid’s pressure and forces affect the structural response.

This bidirectional coupling makes FSI a complex but essential part of modern engineering analysis. FSI is critical in many real-world applications, such as:

The vibration of aircraft wings due to aerodynamic loads
Blood flow through flexible arteries and heart valves
Wind-induced vibrations in bridges and skyscrapers
Offshore platforms are subjected to ocean waves

In FSI modeling, two main physics domains are considered:

Structural domain – governed by the laws of solid mechanics (typically solved using finite element methods, FEM).
Fluid domain – governed by the Navier–Stokes equations (solved using CFD techniques).

Coupling these two domains can be done in two ways:

One-way coupling: The fluid affects the structure, but the structural deformation does not affect the fluid.
Two-way coupling: Both the fluid and structure influence each other dynamically — more accurate but computationally demanding.

Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyze problems involving fluid flows.
It allows engineers to simulate fluid behavior, temperature fields, pressure distributions, and flow patterns without needing costly experiments.

CFD is based on solving the Navier–Stokes equations, which represent:

Conservation of mass (continuity equation)
Conservation of momentum (Newton’s second law for fluids)
Conservation of energy (first law of thermodynamics)

CFD applications include:

Aerodynamic design of vehicles and aircraft
HVAC and ventilation optimization
Combustion and heat transfer in engines
Flow in turbines, pumps, and nozzles

This package includes 14 tutorials that cover all about FSI, CFD, SPH, and gas modeling and simulation in Abaqus.

FSI and CFD in Abaqus

Abaqus, a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) software by Dassault Systèmes, provides integrated capabilities for FSI and CFD simulations.

Using Abaqus:

CFD module handles the fluid flow simulation (via finite volume or finite element CFD solvers).
The structural module handles deformation, stress, and dynamic response of the solid parts.
The FSI coupling framework bridges the two domains, allowing for one-way or two-way interactions.

This integration allows engineers to perform co-simulations — combining Abaqus/CFD and Abaqus/Standard or Abaqus/Explicit solvers — to accurately capture the interaction between fluid forces and structural response.

Aspect	FSI	CFD
Focus	Interaction between fluid and solid	Flow behavior of fluids
Key Equations	Coupled Navier–Stokes + solid mechanics	Navier–Stokes equations
Main Goal	Predict deformation and feedback between domains	Analyze flow, pressure, and thermal fields
Common Software	Abaqus, ANSYS, COMSOL, OpenFOAM	Abaqus/CFD, Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM

Course Content

Example-1: Thermal mixing and reverse flow characteristics in a T-junction using CFD methodology
In this lesson, the thermal mixing and reverse flow characteristics in a T-junction using CFD methodology are studied. T-junctions are commonly used in piping systems and multi-channel networks in various industries, including petrochemical plants, electronic cooling applications, molecular biological processes, power plants, etc. It is crucial to comprehensively understand the thermal–hydraulic characteristics in a T-junction for piping design. Many simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with different turbulence models have been conducted to investigate the mixing characteristics of T-junctions. studied Temperature fluctuations caused by thermal mixing in T-junctions using the large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model. The results showed that the calculated maximum temperatures were somewhat higher than the measurements. In this simulation, Abaqus CFD has been used. Water material with thermal properties is used, and a thermal flow step with three boundary conditions and up predefined field has been set up. During the simulation by mixing two flows, we can see an average temperature and some reverse flow around the hot flow branch.

Abaqus Files
Document
Tutorial Video

00:00

Example-2: Fluid-Structure Interaction analysis of the human blood with the coronary vessel
In this section, the Fluid-Structure Interaction analysis of the human blood with the coronary vessel is investigated. Cardiovascular diseases represent the most frequent cause of death in modern civilization. In particular, these represent 49% of deaths in Europe and 38% in the United States. The common index for those pathologies, known as CVD (cardiovascular disease), includes different kinds of cardiovascular diseases, and it is considered one of the most important references of world human health. A very important class is coronary disease, which is included in the category of cardiovascular diseases with the index CAD (coronary artery disease). In this class, the most important role is played by atherosclerotic diseases caused by the formation, development, and rupture of atheromatous plaques. In this tutorial, blood and vessel geometry are imported as a three-dimensional part. CFD analysis was first done in Abaqus CFD, and then the result was imported into the standard analysis in Abaqus Standard. The blood assumes a fluid with density and viscosity. After CFD analysis, the velocity and pressure …can be achieved, and after the standard analysis of the vessel, the stress and displacement are obvious. The Co simulation engine in the tutorial has been implied.

Example-3: Fluid-Structure Interaction of an aluminum body with flexible tail
In this case, the Fluid-Structure Interaction of an aluminum body with a flexible tail is presented. Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) is the interaction of some movable or deformable structure with an internal or surrounding fluid flow. Fluid–structure interactions can be stable or oscillatory. In oscillatory interactions, the strain induced in the solid structure causes it to move such that the source of strain is reduced, and the structure returns to its former state, only for the process to repeat. Fluid–structure interactions are a crucial consideration in the design of many engineering systems, e.g., aircraft, spacecraft, engines, and bridges. Failing to consider the effects of oscillatory interactions can be catastrophic, especially in structures comprising materials susceptible to fatigue. In this video FSI simulation on the aluminium body with a flexible tail has been studied. Abaqus CFD and standard have been used at the same time to perform the Co-Simulation analysis.

Example-4: Hydroforming process modeling using the SPH method
In this lesson, the hydroforming process modeling using the SPH method is studied. Hydroforming is a metal fabricating and forming process that allows the shaping of metals such as steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and brass. This process is a cost-effective and specialized type of die molding that utilizes highly pressurized fluid to form metal. Generally, there are two classifications used to describe hydroforming: sheet hydroforming and tube hydroforming. Sheet hydroforming uses one die and a sheet of metal; the blank sheet is driven into the die by high-pressure water on one side of the sheet, forming the desired shape. Tube hydroforming is the expansion of metal tubes into a shape using two die halves, which contain the raw tube. Hydroforming is used to replace the older process of stamping two-part halves and welding them together. It is also used to make parts both more efficiently by eliminating welding as well as creating complex shapes and contours. Parts created in this method have a number of manufacturing benefits, including seamless bonding, increased part strength, and the ability to maintain high-quality surfaces for finishing purposes. When compared to traditional metal stamped and welded parts, hydroformed parts are lightweight, have a lower cost per unit, and are made with a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio. The processes can also be utilized in the single-stage production of components, saving labor, tools, and materials. Aluminium material is used for the sheet, and water is modeled as the Us-Up equation of state. A dynamic explicit step with surface-to-surface contact has been used. In this simulation, Smooth Particle Hydrodynamic(SPH) is used to model water behavior. During the simulation, the punch moved into the water, and water moved to the sheet and causing huge pressure over it, and after a moment, the forming of the sheet is obvious.

Example-5: FSI analysis of an elastic beam
In this section, the FSI analysis of an elastic beam is investigated. Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) analysis is an advanced multidisciplinary field that studies the mutual interaction between fluid flow and solid structures. It is essential when the response of a structure significantly influences the surrounding fluid, and vice versa. In many engineering systems, fluids and structures coexist and affect each other dynamically. For instance, airflow over an aircraft wing, blood flow through arteries, or water currents impacting bridges all involve two-way coupling between fluid and structure. Understanding this interaction ensures the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of the design. The ABAQUS has this capability to perform FSI analysis and create an appropriate coupling between CFD and Standard analysis. In this example, the effect of air velocity over the short column has been investigated. The air domain was created in the CFD section, and air property is defined by density and viscosity. The column was created in the Standard section, and steel material with elastic properties is assigned to it. To define proper interaction, Fluid Structure Interaction has been used between two models. Velocity and pressure in the CFD section have changed with stress and displacement in the Standard section.

Example-6: Analysis of the non-Newtonian water flow impact on the rigid barrier
In this case, the analysis of the non-Newtonian water flow impact on the rigid barrier is presented. The water is modeled as a three-dimensional solid part with non-Newtonian behavior. A non-Newtonian fluid is a fluid that does not follow Newton’s law of viscosity, that is, it has variable viscosity dependent on stress. In particular, the viscosity of non-Newtonian fluids can change when subjected to force. In this example, the Us-Up equation of state and definition of the non-Newtonian model in the edit input are selected to consider water behavior. The dynamic explicit step is appropriate for this type of analysis because of the SPH method of water. The proper interactions and boundary conditions are used. The mesh should be fine enough to have many nodes that represent the water behavior

Example-7: FSI modeling of the blood and vessesl using the Co-Simulation process
In this lesson, the FSI modeling of the blood and vessels using the Co-Simulation process is studied. Hemodynamic factors, including pressure, flow rate, and shear stress, have been shown to play an important role in vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and aneurysms. Recent advances in medical imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), can provide exquisite anatomical information of the vasculature. Based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), blood flow simulation provides a unique way to quantify hemodynamics in high spatial and temporal resolution. While initially, blood flow simulations were performed using idealized geometric models, in the last decade, the majority of papers report results using image-based, subject-specific models Three-dimensional parts(blood and vessels) are used. Abaqus CFD was used to simulate blood flow stream by using the flow step and inlet, outlet boundary conditions. The boundary is assigned to the vessel part in the standard module. The mesh should be the same in the two analyses, and the quality of the mesh has a good effect on the result. After the simulation, stress and displacement for the vessel, which comes from the CFD analysis, and pressure and velocity in the blood flow, which comes from the vessel effect, can be achieved.

Example-8: Analysis of the non-Newtonian blood flow behavior
In this section, the analysis of the non-Newtonian blood flow behavior is investigated in the Abaqus CFD solver. The blood solid part can be created in Abaqus, or it can be imported as a CAD part to the Abaqus CFD. The blood part has one inlet flow and outlet zones. The default model for the blood in Abaqus CFD is the Newtonian model, and to create a non-Newtonian model, the Carreau-Yasuda viscosity model is selected. This model has been successful in representing the shear-thinning behavior of blood. Blood is a complex biological fluid and has elements in its composition, such as erythrocytes, which give it a non-Newtonian behavior. Typically, when carotid blood flow is studied, this aspect is frequently ignored, and blood is modeled as a Newtonian fluid, with constant viscosity. The Carreau-Yasuda model is not available in Abaqus cae, and it needs some modification in the edit keyboard file. The flow step with laminar for the flow type regime is selected. The inlet boundary condition, as the inlet velocity, is assigned to the entrance zone. An outlet boundary as a pressure condition was selected for two outlet zones.

Example-9: Modeling of 3D projectile impact on the water surface using the CEL method
In this case, the modeling of 3D projectile impact on the water surface using the CEL method is done. Ocean waves are a significant source of inexhaustible, non-polluting energy. Waves are caused by the wind blowing over the surface of the ocean. In many areas of the world, the wind blows with enough consistency and force to provide continuous waves. A variety of technologies have been proposed to capture the energy from waves, and they differ in their orientation to the waves with which they are interacting and in the manner in which they convert the energy of the waves into other energy forms. Wave energy converters provide a means of transforming wave energy into usable electrical energy. Point absorbers are one type of wave energy converter that have small dimensions relative to the incident wavelength. They can capture wave energy from a wave front that is larger than the dimensions of the absorber. The hydrodynamic problem of the water impact of three-dimensional buoys is investigated by the explicit finite element method with a CEL solver. The fluid is solved by using an Eulerian formulation, while the structure is discretized by a Lagrangian approach. In this work, different kinds of three-dimensional structures, including a hemisphere, are considered. Us-Up equations for water and ideal gas formulation for air have been used to define material behavior. During the analysis projectile penetrated the water, and the water splash was obvious.

Example-10: Analysis of the ball(filled with air) impact one the water surface using the CEL method
In this section, the analysis of an air-filled ball impacting the water surface is investigated. The impact of an air-filled ball on a water surface is a classic problem in fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and multiphase flow dynamics. It involves a complex interaction between the elastic deformation of the ball and the transient response of the water surface during impact. When the ball strikes the water, its kinetic energy is transferred to the fluid, leading to a series of dynamic phenomena such as splash formation, air cavity generation, pressure wave propagation, and ball deformation or rebound. The behavior depends on factors such as impact velocity, ball material properties, fluid density, and surface tension. Analyzing this process helps in understanding energy dissipation, drag forces, and impact resistance, which are important in applications such as sports engineering, naval hydrodynamics, and aerospace water-landing studies. Numerical simulation techniques—such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) coupled with Finite Element Analysis (FEA)—are often used to capture the detailed interaction between the fluid domain (water and air) and the deformable ball structure, providing insight into the coupled dynamics of the impact process. In this study, the ball shell element is modeled using a hyperelastic material. Internal pressure, external pressure, and air specifications are represented using the Fluid Cavity technique. For modeling the water, Eulerian elements with the Us–Up equation have been implemented. The explicit procedure is appropriate for this type of analysis. During the impact, the ball penetrates into the water, and the pressure and volume of the fluid cavity change suddenly.

Example-11: Modeling of the explosive forming using the CEL method
In this lesson, the modeling of explosive forming using the CEL (Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian) method is studied. A food processing device that utilizes underwater shock waves has been developed in Japan. The processing mechanism involves crushing through the spalling phenomenon caused by the shock wave. The effects include improved extraction, softening, and sterilization, all achieved without heating. A pressure vessel for crushing various types of food using underwater shock waves has been designed and manufactured. Since only a few of these pressure vessels are needed, we propose fabricating the pressure vessel using explosive forming. One design concept for a pressure vessel made of stainless steel has been considered. The steel plate is modeled as a three-dimensional shell element with Johnson–Cook plasticity, the TNT is modeled as an Eulerian part with the JWL material model, and water is modeled using the Us–Up equations. The dynamic explicit procedure is appropriate for this type of analysis. The interactions between the die and plate and between the holder and plate are defined as surface-to-surface contacts. The volume fraction method is used to define the Eulerian material link between the TNT and water.

Example-12: Seismic analysis of the airy water container
In this case, the seismic analysis of the airy water container is presented. The seismic analysis of an air–water container focuses on understanding the dynamic behavior of a partially filled tank subjected to earthquake excitations. These containers, which hold both air and water, are commonly used in industrial, civil, and utility applications such as water storage systems, reactors, and pressure vessels. During seismic events, the interaction between the fluid and the container walls (known as fluid–structure interaction, or FSI) becomes critical. The water inside the tank can undergo sloshing motions, while the air layer above it influences the pressure distribution and overall dynamic response. This interaction affects the stresses, displacements, and stability of the container structure. Seismic analysis aims to predict fluid motion, wall deformation, and pressure variations to ensure the container’s structural integrity and prevent failures such as cracking, leakage, or overturning. Numerical methods such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) coupled with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) or Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) techniques are often used to simulate these complex interactions under earthquake loading conditions. The container is modeled as a three-dimensional shell with steel material, and for modeling the legs beam element with steel material has been used. Water is modeled as a three-dimensional Eulerian part, and for modeling its behavior Us-Up equation has been implemented. An explicit procedure is appropriate for this type of analysis and earthquake load, as horizontal acceleration applied for one and a half seconds to the base of the structure.

Example-13: Water sloshing analysis of a concrete tank under earthquake load
In this lesson, the water sloshing analysis of a concrete tank under earthquake load is studied. The water sloshing analysis of a tank under earthquake loading is an important aspect of structural and fluid–structure interaction (FSI) studies. When a tank partially filled with water is subjected to seismic excitations, the fluid experiences oscillatory motion known as sloshing. This dynamic behavior significantly influences the pressure distribution, hydrodynamic forces, and overall stability of the tank structure. During an earthquake, the interaction between the moving water and the deformable tank walls can lead to amplified stresses, wall cracking, or uplift, especially near the free surface and base of the tank. Understanding these effects is crucial for ensuring structural safety, serviceability, and seismic resilience of water storage systems. To evaluate this behavior, numerical simulations such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) combined with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) or Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) methods are often employed. These approaches help capture the fluid motion, wave impact, and pressure variations on the tank walls during ground motion, enabling accurate prediction of seismic performance and the design of safer, more durable concrete tanks. The tank is modeled as a three-dimensional shell with elastic material and water as the Eulerian part with the Us-Up equation. An explicit procedure is appropriate, and five seconds have been applied. To define the initial water volume, the volume fraction tool has been implemented. During the analysis, water went through the vessel, and sloshing occurred under earthquake load.

Example-14: Seismic modeling of the tank, including water, using the Lagrangian approach
In this section, the seismic modeling of the tank, including water, using the Lagrangian approach, is investigated. The seismic modeling of tanks containing water is an important aspect of earthquake engineering and structural dynamics, as these systems are widely used for water storage, industrial processes, and critical infrastructure. During an earthquake, the tank and its fluid contents are subjected to dynamic ground motion, which induces complex interactions between the structural components and the contained fluid. Accurate modeling of this interaction is essential to predict hydrodynamic pressures, structural stresses, and sloshing effects that may lead to damage or failure of the tank. In the Lagrangian approach, both the tank structure and the fluid domain are discretized and analyzed using finite elements that deform and move with the material. This method tracks the motion of every particle of both the structure and the fluid, making it particularly suitable for problems where fluid deformation is moderate and the free surface motion remains relatively small. The Lagrangian formulation allows the governing equations of motion for solids and fluids to be solved within a unified framework, ensuring the compatibility of displacements and equilibrium of forces at the fluid–structure interface. When applied to seismic analysis, the Lagrangian approach enables direct simulation of the coupled response of the water and tank walls under earthquake loading. It captures essential behaviors such as pressure wave propagation, sloshing-induced forces, and tank wall deformation without the need for a separate fluid solver. However, because the Lagrangian mesh deforms with the fluid, mesh distortion can become significant under large fluid motion, limiting the method’s applicability to cases with relatively small free-surface oscillations. The water and tank are modeled as three-dimensional deformable parts. Elastic plastic material for a concrete tank and viscosity with the Us-Up equation for water has been used. Earthquake load is applied as a dynamic explicit step with a fifty-five-second duration. To model water sloshing Lagrangian approach is implemented. During the earthquake, water began sloshing and water waves collided with the tank wall and causing stresses in it.

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FSI and CFD Analysis Package

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What You Will Learn?

About Course

Introduction to Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI)

Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

FSI and CFD in Abaqus

Course Content

Abaqus Files

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Tutorial Video

Abaqus Files

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Tutorial Video

Abaqus Files

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Aabqus Files

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Abaqus Files

Tutorial Video

Abaqus Files

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Abaqus Files

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Abaqus Files

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Abaqus Files

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Abaqus Files

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Abaqus Files

Tutorial Video

Abaqus Files

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