Numerical study on weakening vortex-induced vibration of semi-ring diversion type component

Abstract

Conventional spoiler components are commonly employed to mitigate vortex-induced vibration (VIV), but their effectiveness varies significantly. Therefore, detailed comparative studies should be made between different components and a more comprehensive suppression method will be proposed. In this paper, numerical simulations are conducted to explore the weakening effect of hydrodynamic shapes on VIV of structures. Different spoiler components, including rectangular spoiler, fairing, and fin plate are investigated, and for further optimization, a novel concept of semi-ring diversion type component is proposed. The attenuation effects of different components on vibration are compared. In addition, sensitivity analyses of the diversion component, including slit width (XW), front angle (α), and nozzle size (BL), are conducted at various reduced velocities to determine the optimal sizes. Results indicate that traditional spoiler components have inherent shortcomings in terms of weakening efficiency, which can only reduce the maximum resonance value (Ay(max)) to 50%–77%, extend the dimensionless critical velocity (Ucr) by −0.5–1.5, and shorten the length of frequency lock-in interval to 2.5–3, compared to the bare cylinder. The diversion component effectively reduces the frequency of vortex shedding around the cylinder. The optimal vibration damping effect is achieved when XW = 0.03, α = 60°, and BL = 0.11. Compared to the bare cylinder, the structure shows a substantial reduction in resonant frequency by 69%, a threefold decrease in the length of the frequency lock-in interval, a 68.2% reduction in Ay(max) and a delay in Ucr of 2.65, demonstrating a potential mitigation device for VIV.