Optimal stability of structures with fluid interaction

A Ph.D. study. The dynamics and stability of structures subjected to fluid loadings are studied. The following systems are considered: (a) a fluid-conveying tube, partially or fully immersed in a fluid. (b) a cylinder in axial flow. Both structures loose stability of the trivial equilibrium configuration when the flow speed exceeds a critical value. Optimal designs for maximum critical flow speed are determined. Finally, nonlinear dynamics in the vicinity of a compound bifurcation point, which is typical for the optimal structures, are investigated for a simplified physical model.