Dynamic characteristics of tube bundles with crack subjected to cross-flow and loose support

Flow-induced vibration of the tube bundles subjected to cross-flow and loose support is an important issue in the security of a steam generator. In the operation of nuclear power station, the flow-induced vibration of the tube bundles may lead to crack initiation and propagation, which can affect the natural frequency and the dynamic response of the tube. However, there is seldom theoretical analysis to study the dynamic characteristics of cracked tube bundles subjected to cross-flow. Therefore, a mathematical model of a single cracked tube in a rotated triangular tube array subjected to cross-flow and loose support was presented in this paper. The model takes into account the variations of the tube natural frequency and mode of vibration owing to the crack damage. The effect of the crack damage on the dynamic characteristics of a flexible tube in tube bundles subject to cross-flow and loose support was investigated, and the dynamic responses of the cracked tube for three flow pitch velocity conditions were calculated. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved