Force and wake analysis on a single circular cylinder subjected to vortex induced vibrations at high mass ratio and high Reynolds number

The present paper shows an experimental study about vortex induced vibrations on a rigid suspended cylinder characterized by high value of mass ratio (m⁎) and tested at high Reynolds number condition. Most of the available literature data have been obtained on high mass ratio models at quite low Reynolds number while the combination of high mass ratio and high Reynolds number it is not well documented. The data collected during the campaign performed at Politecnico di Milano wind tunnel highlight the different states experienced by the cylinder in the lock-in region showing unexpected high values of oscillation amplitude. The steady state response has been investigated both in terms of displacement and in terms of aerodynamic forces. The wake has been analyzed through anemometers placed downstream the cylinder: the harmonic content of the wake has been related to different fluid dynamic states observed in the lock-in.

► Experimental results obtained studying VIV on a circular cylinder are shown.
► The set-up is characterized by low structural damping ratio, high m⁎ and high Re number values.
► The set-up characteristic parameters yield to unexpected high vibration amplitudes.
► A relationship among aerodynamic force and wake harmonic content is pointed out.