Numerical investigation on vortex-induced vibration response characteristics for flexible risers under sheared-oscillatory flows

Surge motion of top-end platform induced by periodic wave makes marine flexible riser encounter equivalent sheared-oscillatory flow, under which the Vortex-induced Vibration (VIV) response will be more complicated than pure sheared flow or oscillatory flow cases. Based on a time domain force-decomposition model, the VIV response characteristics under sheared-oscillatory flows are investigated numerically in this paper. Firstly, the adopted numerical model is validated well against laboratory experiments under sheared flow and oscillatory flow. Then, 20 sheared-oscillatory flow cases with different oscillation periods and top maximum current velocities are designed and simulated. Under long and short oscillation period cases, the structural response presents several similar features owing to the instantaneous sheared flow profile at each moment, but it also has some different patterns because of the differently varying flow field. Finally, the effects and essential mechanism of oscillation period and top maximum current velocity on VIV response are discussed systematically.