Experimental Investigation of the Vortex-Induced Vibration of a Curved Cylinder

Abstract

Experiments have been conducted in a water channel in order to investigate the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) response of a rigid section of a curved circular cylinder. Two curved configurations were tested regarding the direction of the approaching flow, a concave or a convex cylinder, in addition to a straight cylinder that served as reference. Amplitude and frequency response are presented versus reduced velocity for a wide Reynolds number range between 750 and 15,000. Trajectories in the cross-flow and streamwise direction are presented as well for several reduced velocities. Results show a distinct behaviour from the typical VIV of a straight cylinder highlighting the effect of curvature on vortex formation and excitation. The concave configuration presents relatively high amplitudes of vibration that are sustained beyond the typical synchronisation region. The mechanism behind the response is not yet clear, although authors suggest it might be related to some kind of buffeting excitation due to the disturbed flow from the upstream horizontal part.