Analysis of in-line flow-induced vibrations using linearization methods

In line flow induced vibrations of structures are investigated. A simplified single degree of freedom system and a discrete multi-degree of freedom system are examined. The response of marine riser systems used in offshore drilling operations is considered. Deterministic harmonic and random Gaussian models are examined. The equivalent linearization technique is applied to treat the nonlinear differential equation describing the fluid structure interaction. The reliability of the approaches are examined by comparing their results with the exact solutions obtained by direct integration of the nonlinear equation of motion. Particular emphasis is given to the dependence of important design parameters of the riser system on several environmental variables.