Comparison of two-dimensional and three-dimensional responses for vortex-induced vibrations of a rectangular prism

Abstract

The accurate prediction of the amplitudes of vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) is important in wind-resistant design. Wind tunnel tests of scaled section models have been commonly used. However, the amplitude prediction processes were usually inaccurate because of insufficient evaluations of three-dimensional (3D) effects. This study presents experimental measurements of VIV responses in a prototype rectangular prism and its 1:1 two-dimensional section model in smooth flow. The results show that the section model vibrates with the same Reynolds number, equivalent mass, frequency, and damping ratio as those of the prototype prism without scale effects. The VIV amplitudes can be qualitatively and quantitatively measured and analyzed. The measured VIV lock-ins of these two models agree with each other. However, the prototype prism produces a 20% higher maximum amplitude than the section model. Several classical VIV mathematical models are used to validate the wind tunnel test results. This confirms that the 3D coupling effects of the modal shape and the imperfect correlations of excitation forces positively contribute to the maximum amplitude. Based on the section model outcomes, the amplified factor of 1.2 is found to be appropriate for the amplitude prediction of VIV for the present prism, and it can also provide a reference for other structures.