Vortex-Induced Vibrations in Fluid Dynamics
Summary
Vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) occur when fluid flows past a bluff body and alternately sheds vortices from its sides, generating periodic transverse forces that can excite structural oscillations. As the flow velocity varies, the vortex shedding frequency may synchronise with a body’s natural frequency in a phenomenon known as lock-in, producing large amplitude responses. The characteristics of VIV depend critically on parameters such as mass ratio, damping, stiffness and reduced velocity, which together determine the onset, amplitude and stability of oscillations. These dynamics are of global significance, affecting offshore risers, bridges, cables and energy harvesters. Understanding the interplay between wake formation, structural properties and flow conditions underpins efforts to predict, control or exploit VIV in engineering applications, from mitigating fatigue damage to designing novel flow-energy converters and biomimetic sensors.
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Vortex-Induced Vibrations in Fluid Dynamics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in vortex-induced vibrations in fluid dynamics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Vortex shedding: Alternating detachment of vortices from opposite sides of a bluff body as fluid flows past, creating oscillatory forces.
Lock-in: Synchronisation of vortex shedding frequency with a structure’s natural vibration frequency, often leading to large oscillation amplitudes.
Reduced velocity (U*): A dimensionless measure of flow speed relative to structural properties, defined as the ratio of free-stream velocity to the product of natural frequency and characteristic length.
Mass-damping ratio (m*ζ): A combined dimensionless parameter reflecting a structure’s inertia and damping, which influences the amplitude and stability of VIV responses.
Bluff body: A shape with a broad, non-streamlined cross-section that induces flow separation and pronounced vortex shedding.
References
- Order of magnitude increase in power from flow-induced vibrations. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2024).
- Undulating Seal Whiskers Evolved Optimal Wavelength‐to‐Diameter Ratio for Efficient Reduction in Vortex‐Induced Vibrations. Advanced Science (2023).
- MOTIONS, FORCES AND MODE TRANSITIONS IN VORTEX-INDUCED VIBRATIONS AT LOW MASS-DAMPING. Journal of Fluids and Structures (1999).
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