Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) phenomena are omnipresent in industrial installations where structures are in contact with a flowing fluid that exerts a mechanical load. In the case of slender flexible structures, IFS can induce vibratory phenomena and mechanical instabilities, resulting in large displacement amplitudes. The nuclear industry is confronted with this problem, particularly concerning piping, fuel assemblies, and steam generators. Computation codes are an essential tool that, based on several input parameters, provide access to quantities of interest (output variables) that are often inaccessible experimentally for the prevention and control of vibrations. However, knowledge of input parameters is sometimes limited by a lack of characterization (measurement error or lack of data) or simply by the intrinsically random nature of these parameters.

In this context, this thesis aims to analyze the vibratory response of a thin structure with uncertain geometric characteristics (structure with a curvature defect, localized or global). In particular, we aim to understand how geometric uncertainties affect the stability of the flexible structure.
This characterization will be carried out both theoretically and numerically. As the work progresses, the effect of different uncertainties (linked, for example, to the material characteristics of the structure or the properties of the incident flow) may be considered. Ultimately, the work carried out as part of this thesis will enable us to improve the prediction and control of vibrations of thin structures under axial flow.

Fluid-structure interactions and associated instabilities are present in many fields, whether in aeronautics with the phenomena of wing flutter, in nuclear power with the vibrations of components under flow, in biology for the understanding of underwater animal locomotion, in botany for the understanding of plant growth, in sport for performance optimization, in energy recovery from fluid-excited flexible structures. The thesis will enable the student to acquire a wide range of skills in mathematics, numerical simulation, fluid mechanics and solid mechanics, and to train for research in the field of fluid and solid mechanics, leading ultimately to a career in this field, whether in academia or in applied research and development in numerous fields of interest to scientists and society in general. A 6-month internship subject is also offered as a preamble to the thesis (optional).

Education level: Master 2 / Final year of engineering school.
Required training: continuum mechanics, strength of materials (beam theory)
fluid mechanics, fluid-structure interaction, numerical simulation (finite elements).