Low dimensional multi-strip model for a VIV problem
 

Hi everyone,

I am currently working on calibration of reduced order models of slender marine structures subjected to VIV.

I've been using Fluent for building up a simple model where a rigid body is elastically mounted and free to vibrate in XY. It worked pretty well with what Fluents UDFs can offer, but now, in order to observe a multi-mode response, I am trying to expand this model into a quasi-3D, where a number of 2D strips exchange data (transversal and in-line displacements of the neighbour-bodies).

Not really an advanced Fluent user I am wondering what is the best way to implement this kind of model. It is possible to run each simulation on a separate machine, so what I am mainly thinking about is how to effectively organise the data exchange process (to my understanding a UDF should put the simulation to sleep on each time step until it collects the positions of neighbour nodes and then recalculate forces).
Can it hypothetically be done with a UDF functionality?

Any suggestions are highly appreciated.