scholarly journals Comprehensive Riser VIV Model Tests in Uniform and Sheared Flow

Author(s):  
Halvor Lie ◽  
Henning Braaten ◽  
Vikas Gopal Jhingran ◽  
Octavio E. Sequeiros ◽  
Kim Vandiver

Despite of considerable research activity during the last decades considerable uncertainties still remain in prediction of Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIV) of risers. Model tests of risers subjected to current have been shown to be a useful method for investigation of the VIV behavior of risers with and without suppression devices. In order to get further insight on VIV of risers, an extensive hydrodynamic test program of riser models subjected to vortex-induced vibrations was undertaken during the winter 2010 by Shell Oil Company. The VIV-model test campaign was performed in the MARINTEK Offshore Basin Laboratory. A new test rig was constructed and showed to give good test conditions. Three different 38m long riser models were towed horizontally at different speeds, simulating uniform and linearly varying sheared current. Measurements were made In-Line (IL) and Cross-Flow (CF) of micro bending strains and accelerations along the risers. The test program compromised about 400 tests, which give a rich test material for further studies. In the present paper the test set-up and program are presented and selected results are reported.

Author(s):  
Mehernosh Irani ◽  
Lyle Finn

An extensive model test program was conducted to explore the effectiveness of alternate strake designs to reduce Truss Spar VIV response. Different strake configurations were tested to minimize VIV response. The paper presents results of the model tests. The model test set-up is described, important parameters that are modeled (including hull and truss geometry, strake configuration, mass and mooring properties) and considerations of instrumentation and test methodology are discussed. The paper also describes the analysis of the test results and shows the effectiveness of new strake design. The present results are compared with VIV response of existing Truss Spars with conventional strake design.


Author(s):  
Mehernosh Irani ◽  
Lyle Finn

The state-of-the art in model testing for Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIV) of Spars is presented. Important issues related to Spar VIV model testing are highlighted. The parameters that need to be modeled including hull geometry, strake configuration, mass and mooring properties and, considerations of test set-up and instrumentation are discussed. Results are presented from model tests of an as-built Spar deployed in the Gulf of Mexico. It is shown that the model test results compare well with the VIV responses measured in the field.


Author(s):  
Erik Asp Hansen ◽  
Mads Bryndum ◽  
Stefan Mayer

VIV in pipeline and risers has been studied through numerous experimental investigations using simplified model set-up, consisting of spring mounted rigid cylinders. Models have been constructed to allow in-line, cross-flow, or both in-line and cross-flow motions. Comparison of the model results shows overall agreement, although distinct differences exist between the individual model test series. Different explanation models have been established to try to improve the consistency, however, seldom definitive conclusions have been reached. The present paper presents the use of CFD to document the importance of the interaction of in-line and cross-flow motions on VIV response. 2D numerical tests have been performed using NS3 (DHI-CFD code) for a model undergoing in-line, cross-flow, combined in-line and cross-flow, and cross-flow in combination with forced in-line motions. The paper compares the results with some recent model tests and quantifies the significance of interaction.


Author(s):  
Alexandre Cinello ◽  
François Pétrié ◽  
Thierry Rippol ◽  
Bernard Molin ◽  
Guillaume Damblans

Galloping may take place for non-circular cross sections, such as an ice-coated electric power line or a riser bundle, under current action. This type of instabilities occurs at lower frequency than Vortex Induced Vibrations but with unbounded amplitude, and might be detrimental for riser integrity. In a recent joint industry project, the CITEPH “Gallopan” project, galloping instabilities were investigated for two types of cylinders: an academic square cylinder and a generic riser tower cross section. Model tests and numerical computations were performed to assess the propensity of both cylinders to gallop. Experiments on the square cylinder are reported here. Three types of tests were performed in steady flow: loads measurement on fixed cylinder, at various headings; loads measurement on the cylinder with over imposed cross-flow harmonic oscillations; free transverse oscillations. By using analytical calculations, the ability to predict galloping instability occurrence and amplitude, of each of the three above methods, was compared. Compared to typical results found in literature, these experiments were conducted at a larger scale, and thus with Reynolds number closer to on-site values, i.e. over 105.


Author(s):  
Kim Mo̸rk ◽  
Olav Fyrileiv ◽  
Muthu Chezhian ◽  
Finn G. Nielsen ◽  
Tore So̸reide

Current design practice for free spanning pipelines is to allow free spans as long as the integrity with respect to potential failure modes are checked and found acceptable. The case study for Ormen Lange (OL) pipelines planned in the deep waters of the Norwegian Sea is associated with a large number of very long free spans, which requires significant intervention work if based on the state-of-practice acceptance criteria. The design philosophy of the state-of-the-art design code DNV-RP-F105 “Free Spanning Pipelines” is applied in combination with the experience gained from dedicated OL model tests. Updated project specific design guidelines with multi-mode behavior, typical for OL long free spans, is taken into account and an updated Cross-Flow (CF) response model has been developed. An approach to select the In-Line (IL) mode excited by CF response is suggested. Methods for combining stresses from multiple active modes have been proposed and tested, for both IL and CF Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIV). Fatigue analysis has also been performed on the stress series measured in the model tests and this has been successfully used to verify and validate the presented computational procedure. Uncertainty in the model test based fatigue estimates has been assessed and sensitivity studies have been carried out. Reasons for deviations and potential problem areas for long free spanning pipelines have been identified.


Author(s):  
Elizabeth Passano ◽  
Carl M. Larsen ◽  
Halvor Lie

The purpose of the present paper is to compare vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) in both in-line and cross-flow directions calculated by a semi-empirical computer program to experimental data. The experiments used are the Bearman and Chaplin experiments in which a model of a tensioned riser is partly exposed to current and partly in still water. The VIVANA program is a semi-empirical frequency domain program based on the finite element method. The program was developed by MARINTEK and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) to predict cross-flow response due to VIV. The fluid-structure interaction in VIVANA is described using added mass, excitation and damping coefficients. Later, curves for excitation, added mass and damping for pure in-line VIV response were added. These curves are valid for low current levels, before the onset of cross-flow VIV response. Recently, calculation of response from simultaneous cross-flow and in-line excitation has been included in VIVANA. The in-line response frequency is fixed at twice the cross-flow response frequency and the in-line added mass is adjusted so that this frequency becomes an eigenfrequency. A set of curves based on forces measured during combined cross-flow and inline motions are used. At present, the in-line excitation curves are not dependent on the cross-flow response amplitude. In the paper, in-line and cross-flow response predicted by VIVANA will be compared to the Bearman and Chaplin model tests. The choice of added mass and excitation coefficients will be discussed.


Author(s):  
Atef Mohany ◽  
Victor P. Janzen ◽  
Paul Feenstra ◽  
Shari King

This paper describes a test program that was developed to measure the dynamic response of a bundle of steam generator U-tubes with Anti-Vibration Bar (AVB) supports, subjected to Freon two-phase cross-flow. The tube bundle geometry is similar to the geometry used in preliminary designs for future CANDU® steam generators. This test program is one of the initiatives that Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is undertaking to demonstrate that the tube support design for future CANDU steam generators meets the stringent requirements associated with a 60-year lifetime. In particular, the tests will address issues related to in- and out-of-plane fluidelastic instability and random turbulent excitation of a U-tube bundle with Anti-Vibration Bar (AVB) supports. Therefore, the measurements include tube vibration amplitudes and frequencies, work-rate due to impacting and sliding motion of the tubes against their supports, bulk process conditions and local two-phase flow properties. Details of the test rig set-up and the measurement techniques are described in the paper. Moreover, a numerical prediction of the U-tube vibration response to flow was performed with AECL’s PIPO-FE code. A summary of the numerical results is presented.


Author(s):  
Decao Yin ◽  
Carl M. Larsen

Long marine risers exposed to ocean currents will experience vortex induced vibrations (VIV), which may cause severe fatigue damage. VIV is, however, generally less understood than other load effects. The offshore oil industry has therefore supported an intensive research activity on VIV during the last two decades. High mode VIV model tests with long flexible riser models were initiated by the Norwegian Deepwater Programme (NDP). A 38 m horizontally towed instrumented riser was tested in uniform and linearly sheared current profiles with varying towing speed. A second series of experiments has been conducted with a motion-controlled rigid cylinder in order to find the hydrodynamic coefficients for realistic cross-section trajectories. The pipe was forced to follow periodic patterns found from the NDP tests with flexible beam. The Reynolds’ number and the non-dimensional frequency, as well the amplitude ratio was kept identical for both types of tests, ensuring that the flow conditions for these two experiments remain the same. The hydrodynamic coefficients calculated from natural trajectories show a general agreement with pure harmonic forced motion tests. A slight change of excitation regions was, however, found for cross-flow response. Another observation is that in-line excitation force coefficients have much higher values than found from pure in-line test.


Author(s):  
Elizabeth Passano ◽  
Carl M. Larsen ◽  
Jie Wu

The purpose of this paper is to compare predictions of vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) from a semi-empirical program to experimental data. The data is taken from a VIV model test program of a free span pipeline using a long elastic pipe model. Both in-line (IL) and cross-flow (CF) vibrations are compared. The Norwegian Ormen Lange field development included pipelines laid on very uneven seafloors, resulting in many free spans. As part of the preparations for this field development, VIV model tests of single- and multi-span pipelines were carried out at MARINTEK for Norsk Hydro, which later became a part of Statoil. The VIVANA program is a semi-empirical frequency domain program based on the finite element method. The program was originally developed by MARINTEK and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) to predict cross-flow response due to VIV. The fluid-structure interaction in VIVANA is described using added mass, excitation and damping coefficients. Default curves are available or the user may input other data. VIVANA originally included only cross-flow excitation but pure in-line excitation was later added. Recently, simultaneous cross-flow and in-line excitation has also been included. At present, the excitation in the cross-flow and in-line directions is not coupled. Coefficients for simultaneous cross-flow and in-line excitation have been proposed and are available in VIVANA. In this paper, response predicted by VIVANA has been compared to the Ormen Lange model tests for selected test series. The analyses with pure IL loading gave good estimates of IL response up to and beyond the start of CF response. The analyses with combined CF and IL loading gave good response estimates for the test series with a long span. The experiments with short spans tended to give CF and IL mode 1 response while the present version of the program gave IL response at higher modes. The present coefficient based approach is, however, promising. Further work should aim at establishing better coefficients and to understanding the interaction between CF and IL response.


Author(s):  
Decao Yin ◽  
Halvor Lie ◽  
Massimiliano Russo ◽  
Guttorm Grytøyr

Marine drilling riser is subject to complicated environmental loads which include top motions due to Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU), wave loads and current loads. Cyclic dynamic loads will cause severe fatigue accumulation along the drilling riser system, especially at the subsea well head (WH). Statoil and BP have carried out a comprehensive model test program on drilling riser in MARINTEK’s Towing Tank in February 2015. The objective is to validate and verify software predictions of drilling riser behaviour under various environmental conditions by use of model test data. Six drilling riser configurations were tested, including different components such as Upper Flex Joint (UFJ), tensioner, marine riser, Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP), Blow-Out Preventer (BOP), Lower Flex Joint (LFJ), buoyancy elements and seabed boundary model. The drilling riser models were tested in different load conditions: 1. Forced top motion tests 2. Regular wave test 3. Combined regular wave and towing test 4. Irregular wave test 5. Combined irregular wave and towing test 6. Towing test (VIV) Measurements were made of micro bending strains and accelerations along the riser in both In-Line (IL) and Cross-Flow (CF) directions. Video recordings were made both above and under water. In this paper, the test set-up and test program are presented. Comparisons of results between model test and RIFLEX simulation are presented on selected cases. Preliminary results show that the drilling riser model tests are able to capture the typical dynamic responses observed from field measurement, and the comparison between model test and RIFLEX simulation is promising.


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