Flow-Induced Vibrations of Tube Bundles

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Flexible structures vibrate when subjected to high velocity flows. Under certain conditions, excessive vibrations are produced, and structural failure may take place. The proposed research examines the vibrations of power or chemical plant heat exchanger tubes caused by liquid, gas or steam flows. The objective is to understand the underlying physics of this phenomenon and to develop reliable models that can aid in the design and the assessment of these structures. This project focuses on applications which include improving performance and reliability of heat exchangers. These devices are essential components of power (nuclear and fossil) and chemical process plants. In the case of nuclear power plants these devices, large amount of energy is transported in the form of high pressure and heat energy. If a fraction of this energy is transformed into mechanical energy through vibrations the integrity of these tube can be compromised. The proposed research will help in advancing our understanding of the conditions which lead to the compromise of the structural integrity of tube bundles. The findings of this research will aid in the development of design guidelines and codes to design new generation equipment and in the analysis codes for the in-service aging equipment.