An Investigation of Vortex-Induced Vibrations as a Means of Maritime Propulsion

Overview

Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIV) are a phenomenon where the fluid flow causes oscillations against an object called a bluff body by vortex shedding. This phenomenon has recently been studied as a source of renewable energy. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a direct VIV powered maritime propulsion system. It was hypothesized that testing conditions would allow for operation of the proposed mechanical propulsion system and that the combination of the largest bluff body with the lowest damping would achieve the highest amplitude in its vibration. A structure was created to support the bluff body and damper. The bluff bodies consisted of four designs and were suspended by eight types of dampers. The combinations were then exposed to fluid flow at eight different velocities. Results were analyzed by investigating the relationship of velocity against amplitude and frequency. Regressions were also done for statistical analysis. The 2.75 cm bluff body with the 4.35 cm damper achieved the highest amplitude at 1.6 m/s. However, the regressions determined that the data was not statistically significant, and the independent variables did not correlate with the dependent variables (p>𝛼), although these tests did not account for the lock-in region of VIV. In addition, results show that all combinations did not achieve the ability to make a direct drive engine feasible. However, the results demonstrate that it is possible to create a VIV power generator, such as one utilizing the piezoelectric effect, for the propulsion system.

Competition history

• AJAS 2020 Category not listed

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