2018-12-172018-12-172014-052014-04-25May 2014Buscher, Austin J. "Space–Time Interface-Tracking Computations with Contact Between Solid Surfaces." (2014) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/103866">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/103866</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/103866To address the computational challenges associated with contact between moving solid surfaces, such as those in cardiovascular fluid–structure interaction (FSI), parachute FSI, and flapping-wing aerodynamics, we introduce a space–time (ST) interface-tracking method that can deal with topology change (TC). In cardiovascular FSI, our primary target is heart valves. The method is a new version of the Deforming-Spatial-Domain/Stabilized ST (DSD/SST) method, and we call it ST-TC. It includes a master–slave system that maintains the connectivity of the "parent" mesh when there is contact between the moving interfaces. It is an efficient, practical alternative to using unstructured ST meshes, but without giving up on the accurate representation of the interface or consistent representation of the interface motion. We explain the method with conceptual examples and present 2D and 3D test computations with models representative of the classes of problems we are targeting.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.space--timetoplogy-changeMAVheart valveThesis2018-12-17