A partitioned coupling approach for time-dependent fluid-structure interactions is applied to thin shells and membranous structures with large displacements. The frame algorithm connects a three-dimensional, finite volume-based multi-block flow solver for incompressible fluids with a finite element code for geometrically nonlinear structural problems using a commercial coupling interface. Thus a high modularity is achieved and the whole range of opportunities with these two powerful codes - each of them highly adapted to its specific field of application - can be used also for coupled simulations. Two completely different configurations were investigated. First, the coupling algorithm was applied to an academic test configuration consisting of one, two, and three flexible L-shaped plates being loaded by a steady far-field flow. Various investigations were carried out at different Reynolds numbers (Re = 50,200, and 500) in order to study phenomena such as vortex shedding, resonance, influence of the interaction between several flexible plates, whereas the second and third plates were placed in the wake of the first. The second part of the paper shows that in principle the coupling procedure can also deal with real-life structures as they occur in civil engineering. A membranous roof of glass-fiber synthetics with a complex shape was exposed to a time-dependent wind gust from diagonally above which was superimposed on a constant basic wind flow parallel to the ground. The structural model contains the pre-stressed textile roof including the taut cables at its circumference which are fastened at the pylons. As a structural response, the wind gust led to a displacement of the textile roof which disappeared again when the gust subsided. With the coupled algorithm proposed in the paper it is possible to study dynamic interactions for engineering applications. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.