Drag Force Reduction and VIV Suppression of Circular Cylinders Using Radial Water Jets

Abstract

Deep-water oilfield developments demand accurate predictions of vortex induced vibrations (VIV) of risers and free span pipelines subjected to ocean current. In order to prolong operational life of such structures, VIV suppression devices such as helical strakes or shrouds are often employed. Such devices will, however, imply certain disadvantages such as drag amplification and increased operational costs. Therefore the quest for effective suppression devices with a minimum of such drawbacks is still ongoing. The present paper presents a novel approach for VIV suppression based on radial water jets from prescribed patterns of circular openings in the cylinder wall. Jet flow will introduce a disturbance that will change VIV amplitudes. The alternation of the flow pattern must be understood to have both 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D effects. 2-D effects will influence the local pressure on the cylinder surface by altering the separation point as well as creating a general disturbance to the flow, while the 3-D effects involve changes in correlation of the vortex shedding process along the span of the cylinder. Results will be presented from experiments in a towing tank testing four 2m long spring supported cylinders with diameter 0.1m and three different patterns of radial water jets. One cylinder has three straight rows of holes at angular positions 0° and ±120° with respect to the ambient flow. The second has two straight rows of holes at positions ±120° with respect to the ambient flow, while the last has one straight line of holes blowing directly upstream. Since the first can be said to consist of the two latter, comparing them to each other gives valuable information in order to understand the physics of the first. The volume flow rate and reduced velocity have been varied in the tests. Oscillation amplitudes, frequencies, added mass and drag force coefficients are presented and compared to a smooth cylinder.