Numerical Simulation on the Two-Degree-of-Freedom Flow-Induced Vibration of a Submerged Floating Tunnel under Current

Abstract

The submerged floating tunnel (SFT) is a novel form of transportation infrastructure for crossing deeper and wider seas. One of the primary challenges in designing SFTs is understanding their hydrodynamic response to complex environmental loads. In order to investigate the two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) flow-induced vibration (FIV) response of SFTs under current, a two-dimensional (2D) numerical model was developed using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method combined with the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. The numerical results were validated by comparing them with the existing literature. The study then addressed the effects of coupled vibration and structural parameters, i.e., the mass ratio and natural frequency ratio, on the response and wake pattern of SFTs, numerically. The results indicated that coupled vibration had a significant impact on the SFT response at reduced velocities of Urwx ≥ 4.4. A decrease in mass ratio (m* < 1) notably amplified the 2-DOF vibration amplitudes of SFTs at Urwx ≥ 4.4, particularly for in-line vibration. Similarly, a decrease in natural frequency ratio (Rf < 1) significantly suppressed the in-line vibration of SFTs at Urwx ≥ 2.5. Therefore, for the design of SFTs, careful consideration should be given to the effect of mass ratio and natural frequency ratio on in-line vibration.