Session: 08-03-01 Risers, Pipelines & VIV- I

Paper Number: 124811

124811 - Computational Performance of Vortex-Induced Vibration Simulation Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method 

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) is a complex fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problem that affects offshore cylindrical structures such as subsea pipelines and risers. It is considered a major threat to structural safety, as it can cause severe fatigue damage. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method has been used as an important tool to study and predict the characteristics of VIV. However, the high time cost associated with this approach limits its application in scenarios of large scales with high Reynolds numbers and complex geometries.

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is a newer CFD framework than conventional Navier-Stokes equation (NSE) solvers. It is based on the Boltzmann equation and simulates the evolution of the statistical distribution of fluid particles. Due to its simplicity and explicitness, LBM shows significant potential as an efficient simulation tool for VIV. However, there has been limited research conducted in this particular field.

The primary goal of this study is to develop a feasible and efficient VIV simulation model using the LBM and modern hardware acceleration techniques. Therefore, special attention is paid to the algorithm's performance on different hardware, including the central processing unit (CPU), graphical processing unit (GPU), and tensor processing unit (TPU). Multiple cutting-edge hardware acceleration solutions from the deep learning community, e.g., CUDA, pytorch, and JAX, are also investigated. To benchmark the code, we conduct a series of two-dimensional simulations with the cylinder allowed to respond in both in-line (IL) and cross-flow (CF) directions. The accuracy and time cost have been compared with commercial CFD programs like Simcenter STAR-CCM+ and ANSYS Fluent. The results indicate that the LBM-based VIV simulator provides competitive accuracy and superior computational efficiency, making it a viable alternative for VIV research. The defects and limitations of the LBM-based VIV simulator are also discussed.

Presenting Author: Haiming Zhu Tianjin University

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Haiming Zhu obtained his PhD in 2023 at the School of Civil Engineering of Tianjin University, where he now works as a postdoc researcher. His current research interest is the fluid-structure interaction of offshore pipelines.

Authors:

Haiming Zhu Tianjin University
Zunfeng Du Tianjin University
Yuan Yang Tianjin University
Muxuan Han Tianjin University