Dynamic characteristics of a submerged, flexible cylinder vibrating in finite water depths

This paper presents experimental data and theoretical predictions of the dynamic characteristics (natural and resonance frequencies, mode shapes) of a flexible cylinder vibrating in air and at fixed positions below a free surface in water of finite depth. The flat-ended, thin cylindrical shell of overall length 1284 mm, external radius 180 mm, thickness 3 mm is made of mild steel. In the experiments, the shell was tethered (i) at 0.21, 0.23, and 0.68 m depths below the free surface in water of depth 1.6 m and (ii) at 0.25, 1.5, and 3.5 m depths in 4 m of water. The resonance frequency data recorded provide measures of the influences of free surface, cylinder position, rigid boundary, water depth, etc. occurring in the fluid-structure interaction process. The theoretical predictions are derived from a three-dimensional hydroelastic mathematical model which, through the calculations of the generalized fluid loadings, accounts for the influence of free surface and rigid boundaries, position of submerged cylinder, neutral buoyancy or, as in the present case, with tethers and buoyancy effects. An extensive comparison of results is included. The experimental restrictions of water depth, cylinder position, etc. and the fluid-structure interactions are assessed and illustrated through the calculated resonance frequency values.