Vortex-Induced Vibrations of Risers: Theoretical, Numerical and Experimental Investigation

Abstract

Vibrations due to vortex shedding in the wake of a cylinder exposed to a current can create fatigue damage in risers used by the offshore industry to bring oil and gas from the sea floor to the platform or off-loading vessel. Extensive research is conducted in this domain and at the Institut français du pétrole, several models are proposed to predict the fatigue life of such pipes. The methods range from simple modal calculations to fully coupled analysis of the fluid-structure interaction and resolution of the Navier-Stokes equations. Through the Hydlines Project, experiments are conducted to validate the various approaches.