Customized CFD for VIV: Advantages and Applications

Abstract

A new concept is introduced in the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling of vortex-induced-vibrations: a CFD code written specifically for modeling riser VIV. The concept of the “single-purpose” CFD code has numerous advantages over the conventional method of running a simulation within “general-purpose” CFD software. By virtue of choosing the most efficient numerical techniques for the type of flow encountered, accurate solutions can be obtained two orders of magnitude quicker than the equivalent simulation using general-purpose CFD software. This is demonstrated through several examples, where accurate run times are obtained within a few seconds of simulation time.