Practical Experiences with Flow-Induced Vibrations

Symposia in the areas of fluid mechanics and hydraulics are, in many cases, strongly oriented toward the researcher, with only peripheral participation of the practicing engineer. The possible danger therein is an increased emphasis on those problems that are theoretically or experimentally attractive, rather than those that would most effectively lead to improved design criteria. To bring the practical aspects of flow-induced vibrations to the forefront, and to enhance in­ terchange of information on shortcomings of design criteria, it was decided to extend invitations to fielrl engineers, designers and researchers. The leading theme of the Symposium would be experiences from practice, encompassing informa­ tion on failures, fatigue, and wear; and wherever possible, the associated cures would be addressed as well. Moreover, to promote interaction between disciplines, a variety of specialities, ranging from tall structures to heat exchanger and re­ actor components, was included; but to keep the undertaking within a reasonable scope, topics dealing with slender body aerodynamics, and high-speed internal and external flow, were not incorporated. During this planning phase, many of our colleagues encouraged us to follow through with the spirit of the Symposium, and provided a number of helpful suggestions. It was gratifying to receive the en­ dorsement of the International Association for Hydraulic Research and the Inter­ national Union for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, as the variety of interests represented by these organizations enhanced the theme of the Symposium.