I have a simplified flow model to analyze an airframe for pressure and forces, but I would like to apply the results of that analysis to a complete structural model. How do I apply the pressures from the flow model to the completed structural model? The only feedback I have so far is that the entire structure needs to be analyzed in the flow simulation, but this seems like a huge burden for the flow simulation. There should be a means of applying the forces from the flow simulation to a structural analysis in a simpler way. Any ideas?
Running the CFD and FEA on the same exact model would certainly be the most straightforward way.
If you use the "exclude cavities without flow conditions" option in Flow Simulation then any internal structure wouldn't be meshed anyway, so it really shouldn't contribute to extended solve time. The initial time of resolving the geometry and creating the mesh may be increased substantially though. This is the first thing I would try - generating the mesh in Flow Simulation and seeing if it is feasible before expending more effort.
It may be possible to run studies where the CFD and FEA models aren't exactly 1:1, but it is a tricky situation because there is not much feedback as to how the pressure is being mapped over when it comes to excluded bodies etc.