Numerical Investigation for Vortex-Induced Vibrations of Steel-Lazy-Wave-Risers: Part I — CFD Validation Against Forced Oscillation Model Test

Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) is one of the main sources of fatigue damage for long slender risers. Typical VIV assessment of risers is conducted using semi-empirical software tools with the sectional hydrodynamic coefficients derived from forced-oscillation model tests on short rigid riser sections. The Steel Lazy Wave Riser (SLWR) with buoyancy sections is an attractive concept for improving fatigue performance in deep water developments, but there is limited model test data available for the hydrodynamic coefficients on SLWR’s. CFD simulation is an alternative VIV assessment tool, once it is validated for an existing model test. It can provide accurate estimates of VIV response and help to design configurations of SLWR’s without additional model tests. The present CFD simulations are performed to validate hydrodynamic coefficients of a SLWR section. The predicted drag and excitation (lift) coefficients on both bare riser and buoyancy sections are compared to the test data with respect to oscillation frequency and amplitude.