Numerical Validation of the Two-Way Fluid-Structure Interaction Method for Non-Linear Structural Analysis under Fire Conditions

Abstract

Fire accidents on ships and offshore structures lead to complex non-linear material and geometric behavior, which can cause structural collapse. This not only results in significant casualties, but also environmental catastrophes such as oil spills. Thus, for the fire safety design of structures, precise prediction of the structural response to fire using numerical and/or experimental methods is essential. This study aimed to validate the two-way fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method for predicting the non-linear structural response of H-beams to a propane burner fire by comparison with experimental results. To determine the interaction between a fire simulation and structural analysis, the Fire-Thermomechanical Interface model was introduced. The Fire Dynamics Simulator and ANSYS Parametric Design Language were used for computational fluid dynamics and the finite element method, respectively. This study validated the two-way FSI method for precisely predicting the non-linear structural response of H-beams to a propane burner fire and proposed the proper time increment for two-way FSI analysis.