A mechanism to be applied to an exterior surface of a cylindrical structure for
the reduction of the effect of Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV) in the cylindrical
structure when immersed in flowing fluid, wherein the mechanism includes a generally
cylindrical column having a central axis, an interior surface corresponding in
size and shape to the exterior surface of the cylindrical structure to which the
mechanism is to be applied and an outer surface defining a wall thickness. A reduced
wall thickness is formed into the outer surface in a pattern to produce a discontinuity
that interrupts the lengthwise coherence of vortex shedding of moving fluid from
the outer surface when the cylindrical column is attached to the exterior of the
cylindrical structure in the flowing fluid. The effect of VIV on the cylindrical
structure is effectively reduced. The result is a submergible cylindrical assembly
for positioning in a flowing body of water and having enhanced resistance to VIV.