Coupled Slow and Fast Dynamics of Flow Excited Elastic Cable Systems

Analytical studies of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of cables during lock-in have considered small amplitude and relatively fast dynamic responses about an equilibrium configuration. However, this equilibrium may change as a result of the significantly increased mean drag created during lock-in. In response to increased drag, the cable may slowly drift downstream causing appreciable changes in cable geometry and tension. The resonance conditions for lock-in may be preserved during this slow drift or they may be disrupted. A nonlinear cable/fluid model is discussed that captures both fast (small amplitude) motions due to VIV and slow (large amplitude) motions due to drift.