FUSE: A Partitioned Field-Exchange Framework for Coupling Physics Simulations in FEBio

Abstract

Computational biomechanics increasingly requires models that combine mechanics, transport, chemistry, and biological regulation across different spatial and temporal scales. The FEBio simulation software provides extensive open-source capabilities for modeling these processes using monolithic approaches. However, assembling independently developed physics models into reproducible coupled workflows remains challenging. Existing approaches often require custom scripts or external software pipelines, which can limit model reuse and complicate development. We present FUSE, the FEBio Unified Simulation and Exchange framework, a partitioned coupling plugin that enables separately defined FEBio models to communicate through structured field exchange. FUSE is designed for problems that are best solved independently, particularly when fast mechanical responses influence slower biological or chemical evolution. The framework uses a time-decoupled strategy in which a primary model advances on the longer time scale, while one or more secondary models are repeatedly initialized, supplied with updated fields, solved over shorter time horizons, with results returned to the primary model. Field exchange utilizes existing FEBio data maps, output fields, and user-specified filters, allowing coupled workflows to be constructed without modifying the underlying solvers. The framework was able to reproduce reference coupled solutions while handling bidirectional transfer, spatial field mapping, and filtered exchange of model variables. Example applications demonstrated coupling between mechanical loading and chemical degradation in injured cartilage and interaction between biological tissue formation and mechanical feedback during bone healing. By separating coupling logic from physics implementation, FUSE provides a practical mechanism for building maintainable multiphysics workflows within FEBio.