Nonlinear finite amplitude vibrations of sharp-edged beams in viscous fluids

► Flexural vibrations of sharp-edged beams in quiescent viscous fluids are studied. ► A new hydrodynamic function for finite amplitude vibrations is proposed. ► Underwater vibration experiments on cantilever beams validate model results. ► Hydrodynamic damping nonlinearly increases with the oscillation amplitude. ► Vortex shedding and convection at the beam edges are landmarks of nonlinear damping.