EFFECT OF MARINE GROWTH ON AN ELASTICALLY MOUNTED CIRCULAR CYLINDER

The Riser and Mooring project of the Norwegian Deepwater Programme (NDP) has undertaken a parametric study on the infiuence of marine growth on the effectiveness of helical strakes to suppress vortex-induced vibrations on circular cylinders. Helical strakes are one of the most commonly used devices to suppress vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) on marine risers. The aim is provide guidance on the effect marine growth has on the dynamic response of a riser fitted with such VIV suppression devices. The tests were conducted at MARINTEK in a controlled laboratory environment. Artificial marine growth was modelled, manufactured and tested. Both hard and soft marine growth of various heights and coverages were tested. The present paper discusses some results obtained in this test campaign.