25-10-2012, 04:29 PM
A Generalized Method for One-Way Coupling of CTH and Lagrangian Finite-Element Codes With Complex Structures Using the Interdisciplinary Computing Environment
ABSTRACT
In the past, CTH (a finite volume, shock physics code) has been coupled with different Lagrangian finite-element codes
like Pronto3D and LS-Dyna to solve blast-structure interaction problems. In many situations, a two-way coupling of these
codes is unnecessary. Specifically, when the deformation of the structure has little impact on the developing blast, a one-way
coupling is sufficient. Unfortunately, when the structure is complex, and particularly when the model contains shell elements,
accurately generating the load curves for the finite-element input can be difficult. A generalized method for generating the
necessary load curves for the finite-element input from CTH has been developed at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory by
using the Interdisciplinary Computing Environment. This method accurately represents the finite-element model’s geometry
on the Eulerian mesh and can be applied to any code with a pressure-vs. -time element loading capacity. Using this method,
an accurate representation of the finite-element model can be inserted into the CTH mesh even when the model contained shell
elements. An example problem of a land mine interacting with a complex vehicle structure is presented in the report.