Instability modes of cantilevered bars induced by fluid flow through attached pipes

Abstract A cantilevered bar of uniform cross-section with flexible pipes conveying fluid attached to it is considered. It is shown that for certain cross-sections of the bar stability may be lost by either torsional divergence (torsional buckling) or torsional flutter, depending upon the location of the pipes with respect to the center of gravity of the cross-section. In addition, transverse flutter can also occur, but not transverse buckling. It is shown further that the Coriolis forces, which are present due to the motion of the fluid in vibrating pipes, may have either a stabilizing or a destabilizing effect, depending upon the parameters of the system.