A full scale pipework system, typical of oil and gas installations located on the sea floor, was subjected to vibration tests in both dry and submerged conditions. The frequency range examined covered 10 Hz to 500 Hz. The objective of the tests was to provide experimental data so that computer simulations could be developed and validated. The method used to determine the vibration properties was that of an experimental modal analysis using an impact hammer. The hammer was modified for underwater use. In dry conditions the damping was found to be very small (damping ratio less than 0.0002) despite the construction being typical. When submerged the effect of the surrounding water was significant. The changes in the natural frequencies from the dry case to the wet case occurred in such a complex manner that it was not possible to identify a simple shift between wet and dry vibration modes. It was necessary to include appropriate added mass coefficients in the computer simulation for both the pipe and the support system. The effect of the surrounding water on the damping was measured but found to be insignificant. It was concluded that immersion in water does not add significant damping to oil and gas pipework.
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