Nonlinear modeling of combined galloping and vortex-induced vibration of square sections under flow

In this paper, we propose a model for the transverse oscillation of a square-section cylinder under flow. The fluctuating transverse force due to vortex shedding is represented using a coupled nonlinear wake oscillator, while the unsteady force for galloping caused by the varying incidence angle effects is modelled using the quasi-steady approach. First, we analytically investigate the lift behavior and phase angle variation of the square cylinder under forced vibrations. Comparison with experimental data is used to determine the form of the coupling terms and its values. The present model shows advantages in predicting the phase angle, and it successfully captures the change in sign of the phase. Second, the proposed model is directly applied in predicting free oscillation cases without any tuning. The dynamical behaviors predicted by this model are compared with published experiments under different Scruton numbers, and reasonable agreement can be found. The results indicate that the model can not only be applied in simulating the “pure galloping” and “pure VIV,” but also is able to capture the interactions of VIV and galloping, including combined and separate VIV-galloping motions.