Suppression mechanism of vortex-induced vibrations using non-linear energy sink with inerter based mechanical networks

Abstract

This study presents a detailed analytical and numerical investigation into the suppression of vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) in circular cylinders using an inerter-based nonlinear energy sink (INES). The INES system, developed by integrating inerter-based mechanical networks into a conventional nonlinear energy sink, is evaluated for its ability to mitigate high-amplitude oscillations in circular cylinder resulting from fluid–structure interactions. The coupled dynamics are modeled using a Van der Pol oscillator to represent wake effects, along with a primary structure subjected to cross-flow excitation. Analytical techniques like the Complexification-Averaging (CX-A) method are used to derive the slow-flow equations and develop the Slow Invariant Manifold (SIM). This approach helps reveal strongly modulated responses (SMRs) and provides insight into the underlying energy transfer processes. Results reveal that the INES facilitates targeted energy transfer (TET), efficiently reducing structural vibrations compared to conventional NES systems. Parametric studies identify optimal ranges for mass ratio, non-dimensional stiffness and damping ratio, and inertance values for effective VIV control. The findings underscore the potential of INES as a passive yet highly effective vibration control strategy for fluid-excited structures.