Helical Fin Suppression Elements for Vortex-Induced Vibration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suppression elements with non-nestable fin structures, such as solid fins, are not compactly stackable and lack a strong, reliable construction while effectively reducing vortex-induced vibrations.
Innovation Solution
The suppression element features a concave inner side and convex outer side with helically extending fin structures along longitudinal edges, allowing for compact stacking and forming a strong, reliable tube that reduces vorticity shedding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid non-nestable fins are used in the suppression element, then the effectiveness in reducing vortex-induced vibrations is improved, but the compact stackability and transportation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The suppression element is divided into multiple discrete suppression elements that can be individually stacked and transported. Each element contains fin structures that maintain vibration suppression effectiveness while allowing compact arrangement during transportation. The elements can be assembled around the tubular element on-site, transforming from a bulky continuous structure to modular segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The suppression elements are designed with nested stacking capability where multiple elements can be stacked vertically or horizontally in a compact configuration during transportation. The fin structures are arranged to allow nesting while maintaining their hydrodynamic function when deployed around the tubular element.
2Reliability
If the suppression elements are positioned in a staggered manner to form a strong tube construction, then the structural reliability is improved, but the complexity of assembly and positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suppression elements incorporate asymmetric positioning features such as offset connection points or asymmetric fin arrangements that naturally guide the elements into the required staggered configuration during assembly. This asymmetry ensures proper positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The suppression elements include self-aligning features such as tapered connection interfaces or interlocking geometries that automatically position adjacent elements in the correct staggered arrangement during assembly. The design enables workers to simply connect the elements without requiring precise manual positioning or complex jigs.
3Reliability
If the fin structures are made solid and non-nestable to improve vibration reduction, then the vorticity shedding reduction is improved, but the ease of transportation and handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solid fin structures are implemented within individual suppression elements that are segmented and designed for efficient stacking. Each element contains the necessary fin structures for vorticity control, and the segmentation allows these elements to be transported in compact arrangements rather than requiring large volumes for solid fin structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The suppression elements are designed to stack efficiently in the longitudinal dimension during transportation, while the fin structures extend in the radial dimension when deployed. This dimensional separation allows compact transportation volume without compromising the radial effectiveness of the solid fin structures in reducing vorticity shedding.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables compact stackability and maintains a strong, reliable construction while effectively reducing vortex-induced vibrations, even with non-nestable fins, enhancing transportation efficiency and vibration suppression.
Implementation Method 1
the suppression element comprises a fin structure, which on said outer side is protruding at least in radial direction relative to said reference axis, and which is configured for reducing, in operation, vorticity shedding at the downstream side of the tubular element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
By mutually interconnected specimens of a suppression element (100) according to the invention, there can be formed a strong and reliable construction of a tube around a tubular element. The suppression element (100) has a first fin structure (141) which is extending helically along a portion (121) of a first longitudinal edge (121, 131, 131 A, 131B), and a second fin structure (142) which is extending helically along a portion (122) of an opposite second longitudinal edge (122, 132, 132 A, 132B). In said tube, first fin structures and second fin structures of the various suppression elements are lying helically in-line relative to one another for effectively reducing vortex induced vibrations. The suppression elements (100, 200, 300, 400) are compactly stackable relative to one another.