Analysis of single and tandem cylinder data using an orthogonal Volterra model approach

The development of a definitive predictive model that accurately accounts for the nonlinear hydrodynamics and structural response behavior observed in arrays of closely spaced risers on deep water structures will require a more detailed understanding of this fluid–structure interaction. Through the analysis and interpretation of data from model basin tests on single and paired tandem cylinder configurations this study is directed at uncovering the nature of some aspects of this nonlinear response behavior using an orthogonal third-order Volterra technique that can delineate between linear, quadratic and cubic nonlinear frequency dependent behavior. As part of the analysis procedure the data was organized in input–output pairs that would provide logical groupings of the measured quantities. The data pairs presented in this study include wave excitation and inline cylinder displacement, wave excitation and transverse cylinder displacement, wave excitation and inline reaction force, and, upstream cylinder and downstream cylinder response. This information is presented in terms of spectral and coherence plots. The single cylinder data is presented as a means to contrast the behavior of the tandem cylinders. Both configurations were analyzed at two different pretensions adding another dimension to this investigation. It is shown that although a primary variable such as displacement may be more easily measured, pretension and force measurements provide an important key to our understanding of this difficult problem.