Self-oscillation of a Circular Cylinder with Impact in a Uniform Flow

Abstract

In this paper, the influence of impact or intermittent touching between a flow-induced oscillating circular cylinder and an obstacle structure was investigated experimentally. The cross-flow vibrations of the circular cylinder touching with the obstacle were obtained in a water tank. Results show that when a circular cylinder of cantilever vibrating in a uniform flow meets with restriction of collision with another structure, the oscillation characteristics seem to change from those at free oscillation to other different ones. It is conformed that the impact does not necessarily reduce the vortex-induced vibration of the cylinder, and under specific conditions, however, it may possibly cause the increase of vibration amplitude to some extent.