LSDO Lab
Methods

Solver-independent multiphysics coupling

Context
Multiphysics models exchange spatial fields between solvers with different meshes and discretizations.
Gap
Direct solver-to-solver interfaces proliferate as models are added, and arbitrary field transfers need not conserve forces or work.
Research goal
Couple solvers through a common field representation with transfer operators that satisfy the conservation requirements of the analysis.

In development

Selected studies

References
Shared field interfacesWork-conserving field transfer

Assembling multidisciplinary models through a common field representation

SIFR represents spatial design variables, states, and constraints independently of the solvers that use them. Each solver connects to this shared representation, reducing interface-count scaling from quadratic to linear. A wing structural optimization demonstrates model assembly and the specification of spatially varying design quantities.

Primary paper

Michael Warner, Andrew Fletcher, Sebastiaan P. van Schie, John T. Hwang. A Method for Modular MDO Model Assembly via a Solver Independent Field Representation. AIAA SCITECH 2024 Forum, 2024.

DOIPDF

Preserving forces and work across solver interfaces

Algebraic conditions on SIFR transfer operators enforce force consistency and aeroelastic work conservation across nonmatching discretizations. Static wing simulations couple a vortex-lattice model to a FEniCS finite-element model and verify these properties, showing how conservation requirements can be imposed within modular solver interfaces.

Primary paper

Sebastiaan P. van Schie, Michael Warner, Andrew Fletcher, John T. Hwang. Enforcing Work Conservation in Modular Aeroelastic Coupling For Multidisciplinary Design Optimization. AIAA SCITECH 2024 Forum, 2024.

DOIPDF

References

  1. Michael Warner, Andrew Fletcher, Sebastiaan P. van Schie, John T. Hwang. A Method for Modular MDO Model Assembly via a Solver Independent Field Representation. AIAA SCITECH 2024 Forum, 2024.
    DOIPDF
  2. Sebastiaan P. van Schie, Michael Warner, Andrew Fletcher, John T. Hwang. Enforcing Work Conservation in Modular Aeroelastic Coupling For Multidisciplinary Design Optimization. AIAA SCITECH 2024 Forum, 2024.
    DOIPDF
  3. Ryan M. Anderson, Andrew Ning, Ru Xiang, Sebastiaan P. C. van Schie, Mark Sperry, Darshan Sarojini, David Kamensky, John T. Hwang. Aerostructural Predictions Combining FEniCS and a Viscous Vortex Particle Method FLOWVPM. AIAA SciTech 2023 Forum, 2023.
    PDF
  4. Sebastiaan P. van Schie, Han Zhao, Jiayao Yan, Ru Xiang, John T. Hwang, David Kamensky. Solver-Independent Aeroelastic Coupling For Large-Scale Multidisciplinary Design Optimization. AIAA SCITECH 2023 Forum, 2023.
    DOIPDF

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