  A fluid-structure interaction technique for the simulation of inflatable
structures is introduced. The presented finite-element/boundary-element (FEBE)
technique couples an isogeometric finite element discretization of a flexible
shell structure with an isogeometric boundary element discretization of a
Stokes fluid. This technique was introduced in [Comput. Mech., 2012,
50(6):779-788] for planar problems and extended to 3D in [Comput. Methods Appl.
Mech. Engrg., 2014, 284:637-663]. One of the marked advantages of this approach
is the contact mechanism, lubrication, which is an inherent attribute of the
flow model. Its role in preventing contact was theoretically substantiated, but
only demonstrated in the planar setting. In the present work, we demonstrate
the effectiveness of the contact mechanism in the isogeometric and
three-dimensional setting, discussing various aspects pertaining to the
accurate resolution of the traction responsible for contact prevention.
