Effects of vertical and lateral riser-soil interactions on vortex-induced vibration of a steel catenary riser

Abstract

A numerical model for computing the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) and fatigue damage of steel catenary risers (SCRs) was developed. The structural dynamics were accurately simulated using an absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). The Van der Pol wake oscillator is applied to generate the fluctuating lift, which is further transformed into the cross-flow direction by considering the structural deformation. The Randolph-Quiggin (RQ) model and the Coulomb friction ‘bilinear’ model are employed to simulate the vertical and lateral riser-soil interactions, respectively. After case validations, the effects of riser-soil interaction on the VIV amplitude, frequency, mode, and fatigue of the SCR at different current angles are investigated, and a sensitivity study of different seabed model parameters is discussed. The bands of significant VIV frequencies were broadened by riser-soil interactions, accompanied by more frequency components of disturbance and more abundant vibration modes. Severe fatigue damage cannot be captured by the truncated model, and seabed models that require improvement are ignored. It is suggested that vertical and lateral riser-soil interactions should be considered in the evaluation of VIV fatigue damage for SCRs.