A study on passive methods of vortex induced vibrations suppression

Abstract

A number of engineering systems, including those found in offshore operations, are often affected by vortex-induced vibrations (VIV). This phenomenon is caused by the interaction between a structure and shed vortices which can result in large amplitude vibrations of the structure that may lead to severe damage over time. Repairs to these systems are costly and time-consuming. Significant effort has been expended to develop a means of eliminating the need of repairs from vibrations. An investigation was undertaken to find a method of suppressing vortex-induced vibrations of a cylinder in a fluid flow. Passive methods of altering the flow behavior around the structure to mitigate the hydrodynamic forces that cause VIV were considered. Structural enhancements to a cylinder were attempted to accomplish this goal. The study also aimed to reduce drag below that encountered for a bare cylinder in comparable flow in addition to reducing flow induced vibrations. A number of approaches attempted succeeded in accomplishing this goal.