In fluid dynamics and elasticity, hydroelasticity or flexible fluid-structure interaction (FSI), is a branch of science which is concerned with the motion of deformable bodies through liquids. The theory of hydroelasticity has been adapted from aeroelasticity, to describe the effect of structural response of the body on the fluid around it.

Definition

It is the analysis of the time-dependent interaction of hydrodynamic and elastic structural forces. Vibration of floating and submerged ocean structures/vessels encompasses this field of naval architecture.

Importance

Hydroelasticity is of concern in various areas of marine technology such as:

  • High-speed craft.
  • Ships with the phenomena springing and whipping affecting fatigue and extreme loading
  • Marine Risers.
  • Cable systems and umbilicals for remotely operated or tethered underwater vehicles.
  • Seismic cable systems.
  • Flexible containers for water transport, oil spill recovery and other purposes.

Areas of research

  • Analytical and numerical methods in FSI.
  • Techniques for laboratory and in-service investigations.
  • Stochastic methods.
  • Hydroelasticity-based prediction of Wave Loads and Responses.
  • Impact, sloshing and shock.
  • Flow induced vibration (FIV).
  • Tsunami and seaquake induced responses of large marine structures.
  • Devices for energy extraction.

Current research

Analysis and design of marine structures or systems necessitates integration of hydrodynamics and structural mechanics; i.e. hydroelasticity plays the key role. There has been significant recent progress in research into the hydroelastic phenomena, and the topic of hydroelasticity is of considerable current interest.

Institutes and laboratories

Conferences

Journals


This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Hydroelasticity, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.