A stabilized explicit approach to efficiently analyse wave propagation through coupled fluid–structure models

In this paper, a stabilized, locally defined, explicit approach is considered to analyse coupled acoustic–elastic wave propagation models. In this sense, a modified central difference method is applied, which performs adapting itself along the solution process, considering the properties and results of the model, as well as the relations between the adopted temporal and spatial discretizations. The proposed technique enables stabilized decoupled analyses, allowing each subdomain of the coupled model to be handled separately, without considering stability restrictions for the temporal discretization, providing a very versatile and efficient methodology. In addition, the new approach is designed as a single-solve framework based on reduced systems of equations, which further greatly improves the efficiency of the technique. The new method enables adaptive algorithmic dissipation in the higher modes and it is highly accurate, simple to implement and entirely automatized, requiring no decision or expertise from the user. Numerical results are presented at the end of the manuscript, illustrating the performance and effectiveness of the new approach. •A novel technique is proposed for acoustic–elastodynamic coupled analyses.•The method is very efficient, enabling decoupled analyses and reduced solver efforts.•It is locally defined, introducing modified elements to guarantee stability.•It provides enhanced accuracy and advanced controllable numerical dissipation.•It stands as an entirely automated, space/time self-adaptive procedure.