Fluid–structure interaction effects on dynamic pressure of a rectangular lock-gate

The coupled problem of fluid–structure interaction of a lock-gate in a rigid dam with the reservoir is solved in a decoupled manner by analyzing the gate and the fluid domain independently. In the governing equations, pressure for the fluid domain and displacement for the gate are considered as independent nodal variables. Interaction is achieved by transferring the acceleration of the gate to the fluid and pressure of the fluid to the gate in sequence. Finite element technique is adopted for the solution of this interaction problem and an iterative convergence procedure is followed to maintain the equilibrium and compatibility of the fluid–structure interface. The dynamic pressure on the lock-gate is evaluated for both incompressible and compressible fluid conditions by developing a boundary condition for closer truncation of the far boundary in each case. The role of compressibility of the fluid, excitation frequency, aspect ratio and thickness of the gate on dynamic pressure are investigated.