Damping of cylindrical structures subject to annular flow

In previous reports theoretical methods have been described for estimating the aerodynamic forces acting on cylinders vibrating laterally when surrounded by an annulus carrying high velocity gas. For a certain restricted set of geometries it is possible to predict whether a particular structure is stable or unstable and to determine the level of aerodynamic damping positive or negative due to the presence of the gas. This report describes experimental work which validates the computer program in which the theoretical methods are embodied; in particular the damping, inertial and decentralising forces acting on a cylinder in an annulus are measured and compared with theory over a range of frequencies from 0 to 25 Hz, and of Reynolds numbers from zero to 104. In addition a summary of simple relationships is provided which can be used to provide credible initial estimates of both the positive and negative damping of cylinders in a range of annular geometries. (author)