Numerical simulation of vortex-induced vibration of tandem circular cylinders near a plane boundary

This paper numerically investigated vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of two tandem circular cylinders near a stationary plane boundary across a range of reduced velocities from 1 to 16, gap ratios ( G/D = 2, 3, 4), wall proximity ( E/D = 1) and the Reynolds number ranging from 4500 to 36000. Results indicate that the downstream cylinder (C2) exhibits significantly higher transverse, and in-line vibration amplitudes compared to the upstream cylinder (C1), particularly when near a stationary wall. The downstream cylinder also displays complex vibration behaviours, including multi-peak frequency responses, which are influenced by the wake interaction from the upstream cylinder. Furthermore, desynchronization is observed, with the two cylinders oscillating at frequencies that are slightly different from each other, as a result, the phase between the vibrations of the two cylinders varies with time periodically between −180° and 180°. These findings provide useful insight into the dynamic behaviour of multi-cylinder systems near boundaries and have practical implications for the design of offshore structures. • Interference between two cylinders near a plane boundary in a flow is investigated. • Desynchronization between the two cylinders is observed. • Desynchronization causes variation of the phase difference between the two cylinders with time. • The downstream cylinder has significantly higher transverse and in-line vibration amplitudes.