Development and validation of new adaptive finite elements for complex aerospace problems

In aerospace engineering, the structural analysis of aircraft, spacecraft, and related components requires highly accurate numerical models to predict behaviour under various operational conditions. Traditional finite element methods (FEM) rely on standard mesh structures, which may not always provide the optimal geometry for capturing the complexity of certain shapes or stress distributions. To address this, adaptive meshes offer a way to design non-conventional, flexible elements that conform more effectively to the geometry and loading conditions of aerospace structures. These meshes are not automatically generated but are specifically designed to adapt to the particular requirements of the problem, offering greater accuracy and efficiency. The ability to tailor the mesh geometry to fit complex structural forms or specific stress regions is crucial for optimizing simulations in aerospace applications. By employing non-conventional mesh designs, engineers can better capture critical phenomena such as stress concentrations around joints, load-bearing members, or complex curvatures found in modern aerospace structures. This approach allows for a more precise representation of the physical model without a substantial increase in computational resources. In this research, we will incorporate Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF), a versatile and innovative framework for structural modelling. CUF allows for the creation of custom, adaptable elements that respond to the structural complexities unique to aerospace components. By combining CUF with adaptive mesh strategies, the objective is to develop mesh configurations that are highly specialized, efficiently representing regions with different requirements, such as thin shells or complex junctions, where traditional meshes would fail to deliver the needed precision. The development of adaptive meshes in aerospace structural analysis offers significant advantages across a variety of applications. In aircraft fuselage and wing structures, these meshes can conform to complex curvatures and junctions, improving the accuracy of stress distribution analysis, particularly in critical areas such as wing-fuselage connections. For landing gear components, non-conventional elements can be designed to adapt to the highly loaded and geometrically intricate parts, enhancing predictions for fatigue life and overall structural performance. In spacecraft structures, adaptive meshes can be tailored to the lightweight and complex designs typical in space applications, ensuring precise load distribution during both launch and orbital conditions. Additionally, for composite materials, adaptable mesh elements can better account for the heterogeneous nature of these materials, providing more accurate predictions of failure points and material behavior, which is essential for ensuring the reliability and safety of aerospace components. Another key application lies in fluid-structure interaction (FSI), where adaptive meshes can dynamically conform to the evolving interface between fluids and structures, capturing the complex interplay of aerodynamic loads on structural components, thus improving the accuracy of simulations in scenarios such as wing flutter, aerodynamic shape optimization, and structural response under varying flow conditions. This research aims to push the capabilities of structural simulation by using adaptive mesh strategies that are tailored to aerospace-specific challenges. By developing more efficient and accurate models, it will contribute to safer and more advanced aerospace structures, capable of meeting the stringent performance requirements of the industry.