Fatigue damage from time domain simulation of combined in-line and cross-flow vortex-induced vibrations

A semi-empirical method for time domain simulation of vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) is used to calculate the in-line and cross-flow fatigue damage of a tensioned riser in uniform and sheared flow. Simulations are run for flow velocities ranging from 0.3 m/s to 2.4 m/s, and a detailed comparison with experimental observations is performed. Results are reported in terms of dominating frequency, mode of vibration and mean of r.m.s. of displacement, as well as fatigue damage distribution along the length of the structure and maximum fatigue damage rates for each case. Fatigue damage is calculated by rainflow counting of the strain time series together with an idealized S–N curve with slope m = 3. The results show that the model reproduces the measured fatigue damage with a satisfactory level of realism, using a consistent set of parameters. This indicates that the model is usable for calculation of riser VIV fatigue damage in various current conditions, assuming the Reynolds number is in the subcritical range. •Vortex-induced vibrations are simulated in time domain.•Combined in-line and cross-flow vibrations are considered.•Fatigue damage is calculated based on time series of simulated strain.•Results from the simulations are compared to experimental observations.•The agreement between simulations and experiments is satisfactory.