Numerical Prediction of the Hydrodynamic Loads and Vortex-Induced Vibrations of Offshore Structures

Abstract

An incompressible Navier-Stokes flow algorithm is coupled with an elastic body structural response to numerically investigate the hydrodynamics of several relevant offshore applications. These applications include the effects of surface roughness on a bare cylinder and the study of vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) for a cylinder at high Reynolds numbers. The Reynolds number for the roughness cases was Re=4×106, while the Reynolds number for the VIV cases ranged from 2.25×105⩽Re⩽4.75×105. Additional VIV cases were also performed for two common suppression devices: strakes and fairings. The results from both the roughness and bare cylinder VIV applications were compared to experimental data in order to further validate the numerical scheme and illustrate the effectiveness of applying Navier-Stokes technologies to offshore applications. [S0892-7219(00)00604-X]