Heat Exchanger Tube Fretting Wear: Review and Application to Design

Abstract

Flow-induced vibration in steam generators and heat exchangers can cause dynamic interactions between tubes and tube supports resulting in fretting-wear. The effects on tube wear of various parameters, such as tube/support interactions, materials, and tube/support clearances have been studied. Techniques to predict the dynamic tube/support interaction and analyze the impact force at the support have been developed. The results of this work are reviewed and discussed in the context of how best they may be applied in the assessment of heat exchanger designs. A new design criterion based on support impact force is also discussed. Finally, a technique to predict long-term tube life is outlined.