Estimation of the relationship between steam generator tube vibrations and tube-to-tube support interaction characteristics

Tube-to-Tube support interaction characteristics were determined on a multi-span tube geometry representative of a steam generator design in water flow environments. To prevent the denting of steam generator tubes in the clearance between tubes and tube support plates, tube support plate design is changed to reduce the area of the clearance. It is therefore very important to evaluate the influence of tube support geometries on the interaction characteristics for predicting the fretting and wear. The results show that tube vibration magnitude in case free from tube support contacts, tube eccentricity in the tube support plate, and clearance between tube and support are significant evaluating factors for the interaction characteristics such as impact forces, and by using these factors the tube-to-tube plate interaction characteristics can be estimated. (author)