Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIV): The Oscillation Challenge

To oscillate or not to oscillate? That, my friends, is the VIV question. When fluid flows past a cylindrical object, it creates alternating vortices that detach from the sides, generating an unbalanced force that pushes the object back and forth.

If the excitation frequency of this force aligns with the natural frequency of the object, significant vibration can occur, potentially leading to fatigue failure over time. This is why it’s critical to make sure tall columns or subsea pipelines don’t fall victim to this oscillatory madness. 

In the subsea industry, DNV-RP-F105 provides both screening criteria and a detailed fatigue calculation option. Pass the screening, and you’re golden—no lock-in, system secure. Fail, and it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into a detailed fatigue calculation.