FSI: Assessing Potential Flow-Induced Vibration

Flow-induced vibration occurs when strong aerodynamic forces from the passing flow produce loading forces on objects in the flow. In the spray field, high velocity process fluids pass across long slender piping structures, such as a lance, causing vibration. This leads to potential structural failure and the most concerning scenarios involve strong shedding frequencies, which, if matching the natural frequency of the support structure, can cause catastrophic failure due to unbounded mechanical vibration amplification. Vibration studies are necessary to ensure mechanical integrity of both the structure and the lances

FSI techniques use CFD and FEA to analyze the system with coupling mechanisms. The simulation is performed through a multi physics solver by transferring results between the structural and fluid domain. The method uses a structural mesh with applied CFD results mapped at defined node locations.

By capturing the complicated dynamics and interactions of the gas flow, liquid spray, and mechanical stresses safe and reliable spray equipment may be verified for optimal spray placement and distribution in harsh processes.

In the end, we can design, develop and position a lance in such a way that flow-induced vibration does not occur.