In fluid dynamics and elasticity, hydroelasticity or flexible fluid-structure interaction (FSI), is a branch of science which is concerned with the motion of deformable bodies through liquids.
The theory of hydroelasticity has been adapted from aeroelasticity, to describe the effect of structural response of the body on the fluid around it.
It is the analysis of the time-dependent interaction of hydrodynamic and elastic structural forces.
Vibration of floating and submerged ocean structures/vessels encompasses this field of naval architecture.
Hydroelasticity is of concern in various areas of marine technology such as: Analysis and design of marine structures or systems necessitates integration of hydrodynamics and structural mechanics; i.e. hydroelasticity plays the key role.