An experimental investigation of vortex-induced vibration with nonlinear restoring forces

We experimentally examine the amplitude of a bluff body undergoing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) supported by linear and various nonlinear structural forces. This investigation is made possible by our Cyber-Physical Fluid Dynamics force-feedback technique; using it, we can impose arbitrary nonlinear restoring forces on a circular cylinder in our water channel. For the range of nonlinearities examined, detailed analysis allows one to understand and predict the response of the nonlinear structural system using knowledge of a standard, linear VIV system. We also present a case study examining the potential of nonlinear springs to aid in a VIV-based energy harvesting device. Appropriate choices of the spring's nonlinearity allow the hypothetical energy harvester to operate at high performance over a much larger range of Reynolds number than a standard system. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.