A comprehensive flow-induced vibration model to predict crack growth and leakage potential in steam generator tubes

摘要

Flow-induced vibrations (FIVs) are a major threat to the operation of nuclear steam generators. Turbulence and fluidelastic instability are the two main excitation mechanisms leading to tube vibrations. The consequences to the operation of steam generators are premature wear of the tubes, as well as development of cracks that may leak hazardous fluids.