Insights on vortex-induced, traveling waves on long risers

This paper is based on portions of a keynote presentation, which explored the boundaries of what is understood about the vibration behavior of long cylinders excited by vortex shedding. The source of data is a recent field experiment on a long flexible cylinder, densely instrumented with fiber optic strain gauges. The paper emphasis is on previously unknown or unexplained phenomena and in some cases offers provocative insights as opposed to conclusive proofs. Three particular topics are covered: (i) the occurrence of peak strain and fatigue damage rates at unexpected locations, (ii) the dominance of traveling wave rather than standing wave response, and (iii) the appearance of stable cylinder trajectories, such as figure eights and crescents in pure traveling wave regions. Potential explanations are offered and areas for promising additional research are proposed. r 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.