BP opts for New High Reynolds VIV test set-up

BP has chosen MARIN's High Reynolds Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV) test set-up as part of its continuing research into the VIV response of marine risers. The setup allows tests of riser sections at full section scale and 3.8 m long, at real current speeds, oscillation frequencies and amplitudes. Using full scale dimensions bypasses the difficulties related with scale models which can be seriously affected by so-called 'Reynolds scale effects'. Recent studies have clearly shown the importance of these scale effects for riser VIV.