What is deal.II?
From their documentation: deal.II is a C++ program library targeted at the computational solution of partial differential equations using adaptive finite elements. It uses state-of-the-art programming techniques to offer you a modern interface to the complex data structures and algorithms required. A more extensive answer can be found on the deal.II webpage.
Aim of this adapter
This adapter has two use cases: On the one hand, it provides coupled structural solvers, which could be used for FSI simulations steered by preCICE. On the other hand, it serves as an example of how to couple your own deal.II project with other solvers using preCICE. Have a look in the build your own adapter section for more details.
How to install the adapter?
The adapter requires deal.II version 9.2 or greater and preCICE version 2.0 or greater. The building can be done using CMake, as usual. A detailed installation guide can be found on the deal.II adapter building page.
How to use the coupled codes?
The coupled codes cover the solid part of partitioned FSI simulations. If you want to use them for your own partitioned case, you can read up in the configuration section how to change parameters and use different meshes.
How can I use my own solver with the adapter?
The provided deal.II adapter is (as opposed to other adapter) not applicable for any arbitrary solver or project. Nevertheless, the required infrastructure and code to couple a solver different than the given solid solver is similar. You can find a detailed description of the relevant functionality and how to use it for your own solver in the own project section.
How general are the already coupled codes?
preCICE provides a large variety of various functionalities. The coupled codes do not yet cover everything. You can find further information about recent limitations of the codes in the limitation section.
What is the theory behind the coupled solver?
deal.II is a finite element library where user can implement whatever they want. If you are interested in theoretic details of the coupled solid solver, you can find the relevant information in the solver details section.