Abstract MMSVIV

MMS engineers are faced with approving a variety of projects that can be influenced by Vortex-Induced Vibrations (VIV). Examples include deepwater drilling, production, and export risers subjected to strong currents, and offshore pipeline spans over irregular bottom topography subjected to strong bottom currents. MMS engineers need to be aware of the potential for VIV to damage such structures and various options that can be useful in mitigating VIV. The MMS asked OTRC to prepare and deliver a seminar to MMS engineers to provide MMS engineers with a basic understanding of VIV as well as practical information related to VIV occurrence and mitigation strategies.

OTRC discussed the seminar needs with MMS, and developed a scope for the seminar that focused on three areas:

• VIV Fundamentals
• VIV and Deepwater Risers
• VIV and Marine Pipelines

We were fortunate to be able to engage the following individuals with VIV expertise to develop and present the seminar materials:

• Charles Dalton – Dr. Dalton is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Houston who has conducted extensive research on flow around cylindrical shapes and VIV. Dr. Dalton handled the seminar section on VIV Fundamentals.
• Steven Leverette – Dr. Leverette is Manager of TLP Technology for Atlantia Offshore Limited, and is an experienced as both a researcher and designer in offshore floating structures, particularly TLPs, and has dealt extensively with VIV challenges for risers and tendons. Dr. Leverette handled the section on Deepwater Risers.
• R.J. Brown – Mr. Brown is President of RJ Brown Deepwater Inc. (part of the Technip Offshore Group), and is very experienced in developing pipeline technology as well as designing and installing many challenging pipelines around the world. Mr. Brown handled the section on Deepwater Pipelines.

The two day seminar was held in New Orleans on December 2-3, 2003. The seminar materials are presented in the presentation files included on this CD.