Numerical prediction method for fluid-elastic instability of tube bundle structure

Fluid-elastic instability (FEI) can cause tube bundle failure in a short time, it belongs to flow-induced vibration mechanism being necessary to consider in steam generator design. Here, the numerical prediction method of FEI behavior was developed through combination of theoretical modeling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculation. Firstly, based on the quasi-steady state theory, the non-steady state theory and the 1-D unsteady flow theory, respectively, control equations and mathematical models of key parameters of the three most widely studied FEI theoretical models were derived. Then, identification methods of many parameters in theoretical models were developed to obtain complete set of parameters related to fluid force through the simulation data driven method. Finally, a numerical prediction method for FEI of tube bundle structure was established taking the heat transfer tube of Hualong No. 1 steam generator as the study object, and it was verified with the existing test data. The results showed that fluid force-related parameters identified through CFD calculation agree well with existing test results, and the numerical prediction method with CFD calculation-theoretical model coupled has a certain practicality; the engineering application of the numerical prediction method is completed, the prediction results are consistent with conclusions of verification tests; the proposed numerical prediction method can combine advantages of theoretical modeling and CFD calculation, avoid demands for massive computing resources, and reduce dependence on test data, this method is beneficial for promoting its application in engineering. © 2023 Chinese Vibration Engineering Society. All rights reserved.