Cylindrical element profiled to reduce vortex induced vibration (VIV) and/or drag

摘要

A generally cylindrical element 10 that is adapted for immersion in water is described. The generally cylindrical element 10 has an outer surface 11 that is in contact with the water in use. The outer surface 11 has at least two rows of repeating shapes 20, for example hexagons 20, provided on the surface 11, where each row of repeating shapes 20 is separated from the other or the adjacent row(s) by a groove arrangement 30. Each shape 20 within a row is separated from the, or each, adjacent shape 20 by at least one groove 30. This configuration of the surface 11 reduces Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV) and/or drag that may act upon the generally cylindrical element 10 when it is immersed in a body of water.