Numerical simulation of vortex-induced vibration of a vertical riser in uniform and linearly sheared currents

This paper presents a numerical study on vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of a vertical riser subject to uniform and linearly sheared currents. The model vertical riser tested at the MARINTEK by ExxonMobil is considered. The predicted numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental data. It is found that the dominant mode numbers, the maximum root mean square amplitudes, the dominant frequencies and the fatigue damage indices increase with the flow velocity. A standing wave response is observed for the single-mode in-line (IL) and cross-flow (CF) vibrations. Dual resonance is found to occur at most of the locations along the riser. At some locations along the riser, a third harmonic frequency component is observed in the CF response and a frequency component at the CF response frequency is found in the IL response apart from the frequency component at twice the CF response frequency. The majority of the vortex shedding shows a clear 2S pattern, whereas a 2P mode is observed near the position where the maximum vibration amplitude appears. The higher IL fatigue damage in the present study emphasises the importance of the IL fatigue damage especially in the design of low flow velocity or low mode number applications. •Simulations of VIV of a vertical riser in uniform and sheared currents are conducted.•Numerical results are compared with published experimental data.•Important aspects of flexible riser VIV are investigated.•The importance of the in-line fatigue damage is addressed.