Abstract

Flow-induced vibration caused by fully developed pipe flow has been recognized, but not fully investigated under turbulent conditions. This thesis focuses on the development of a numerical Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) model that will help define the relationship between pipe wall vibration and the physical characteristics of turbulent flow. Commercial FSI software packages are based on Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) fluid models, which do not compute the instantaneous fluctuations in turbulent flow. This thesis presents an FSI approach based on Large Eddy Simulation (LES) flow models, which do compute the instantaneous fluctuations in turbulent flow. The results based on the LES models indicate that these fluctuations contribute to the pipe vibration. It is shown that there is a near quadratic relationship between the standard deviation of the pressure field on the pipe wall and the flow rate. It is also shown that a strong relationship between pipe vibration and flow rate exists. This research has a direct impact on the geothermal, nuclear, and other fluid transport industries.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology; Mechanical Engineering

Rights

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