Experimental study on vortex-induced vibrations of double-hanger cable: Upstream wake flow induces downstream vibrations

Abstract

This study is inspired by an experimental observation for vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs) of a double-hanger cable system, in which a smaller vibration of the downwind hanger cable is re-excited over a narrow range of wind speeds beyond the “lock-in” range. This phenomenon is known as the wake vortex-induced vibrations (WVIVs), where the upstream wake flow induces downstream vibrations. To further investigate the characteristics and reasons for WVIVs, a refined wind tunnel test of double-hanger cable was conducted to consider the influence of aerodynamic interaction. The double-hanger cable was modeled by the tandem-arranged spring-mounted cylinders vibrating in two dimensions. The vibration responses of hanger cables were obtained under various wind speeds to reproduce the lock-in phenomenon. In addition, the vibration trajectory, phase relationship, damping ratio, inter-cable correlation, and the wind pressure on the surface of cables were analyzed. Finally, the Stockbridge dampers were designed to suppress the vibrations. The results show that under the aerodynamic interaction of the cables, the onset wind speed of VIVs in the double cables increases, and the downstream cable WVIVs closely follow the VIVs. During the WVIV phase, the downstream cable behavior is characterized by increased negative aerodynamic damping and an inverse displacement correlation between the cables. The phase relationships between the cables are time-varying due to the aerodynamic interaction. The first proper orthogonal decomposition mode of wind pressure dominates the cross-wind of motions and is crucial in vibrations. Stockbridge dampers can effectively reduce the amplitude of VIVs and eliminate WVIVs in cables.