| Abstract |
The effects of fluid induced vibrations (FIV) can damage a structure or result in a catastrophic failure of an entire system. The study of fluid structure interaction (FSI) allows for analysis of materials that are subject to a variety of liquid flow situations. Flexible structures, or those that are not rigid, will begin to oscillate in this flowing environment due to an asymmetrical pressure distribution on the body of the structure. This is a result of the frontal pressure distribution, delivered by the environmental flow and the vortices or ‘eddies’ that form in the wake around the submerged structure. Observation of a test specimen, using principles of FSI, can prevent these catastrophic failures like the collapse of the Tacoma Narrow Bridge in 1940. If airflow around the bridge had been taken into consideration during the design process, the bridge’s historical collapse would have been avoided. Experimentation in the field of FSI ensures the safety of future structures when introduced to these naturally occurring, and sometimes substantial, varying frequencies. With this in mind, Team FSI has improved upon an existing product that replicates the natural oscillation of a test piece under specific flow conditions. These specified parameters and the direction of oscillation can both be altered to create a more accurate and in-depth study of the fluid’s effects on the test piece. The original test apparatus presented to the team was capable of free vibration studies and has now been outfitted with the ability to perform forced vibration experiments as well. |
