AN UNSTEADY-FLOW THEORY FOR VORTEX-INDUCED VIBRATION

A mathematical model for vortex-induced vibration of circular, cylindrical structures that is presented in this paper is based on the unsteady flow theory. Motion-dependent fluid forces are measured in a water channel. From the measured fluid forces, fluid stiffness and fluid damping coefficients are calculated as a function of reduced flow velocity and oscillation amplitude. Once these coefficients are known, the mathematical model can be applied to predict the structural response to vortex shedding, including response amplitude, lock-in frequency and stability characteristics. (C) 1995 Academic Press Limited