Linear and nonlinear dynamics of cantilevered cylinders in axial flow.: Part 1:: Physical dynamics

This paper is the first in a three-part study of the dynamics of cantilevered cylinders in axial flow. After an extensive literature review, the physical dynamics of the system is examined; specifically (a) the experimental behaviour, of elastomer cylinders in water flow, and (b) the energy transfer mechanisms, discussed from a work-energy perspective without solving the equations of motion. In general, the system loses stability by divergence and, as the flow velocity is increased, it is subject to second- and third-mode flutter, provided that the free end is well-streamlined; if, however, the free end is blunt; these instabilities do not occur. Oscillations are generally three-dimensional (orbital). The experimental observations are in good qualitative agreement with those expected from the energy transfer analysis, and in reasonably good quantitative agreement with solutions of the linearized equation of motion (obtained from Part 3 of this study). For some shapes of the free-end, resonances are observed with a fairly constant Strouhal number. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.