An analytical study on vortex-induced vibrations of cylinders with variable cross-section in the range of low Reynolds numbers

In the current paper, vortex-induced oscillations of circular cylinders with variable have been investigated. Considering the von-Karman nonlinear strain-displacement relations and using the displacement coupling model to simulate the system and fluid-structure interaction, the nonlinear differential equations governing the motion have been derived using Hamilton's principle. To apply the effect of vortices on the system vibrations, the nonlinear Van der Pol oscillator equation has been used. Then, using the Galerkin method, differential equations with partial derivatives are discretized, and nonlinear differential relations are solved by the Runge-Kutta approach. Finally, the response of the system, the phase curves, and the changes in the maximum amplitude according to the fluid velocity are obtained for various parameters, and the results have been discussed. Regarding the obtained results, changes in the cross-section of the beam have a significant effect on the lock-in region and also the maximum deflection of the beam. The maximum dynamic deflection for theta = 2 degrees occurs at the velocity u=2, which is equal to 0.927. Also, the lock-in phenomenon is created for the beam with theta = 2.5 degrees and theta = 3 degrees at the velocities u=2.78 and u=4.23, respectively.