Analysis of Turbulent Flows and VIV of Truss Spar Risers

Complex flows through riser arrays, such as the case of risers located in the truss section of a truss spar, are very difficult to describe and analyze. It is especially difficult predict and correct Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV) response using traditional tools that were meant to analyze single risers rather than arrays of risers. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers the designer the capability to properly analyze these complex problems, increasing the reliability of the design. In this study, a full scale truss spar with vertical risers is modeled using CFD. The VIV response of the risers is predicted and the effect of risers is correctly captured and compared with experiments.