A SIMPLIFIED METHOD TO PREDICT FRETTING-WEAR DAMAGE IN DOUBLE $90^{\circ}$ U-BEND TUBES

Fluid-elastic instability is believed to be a cause of the large-amplitude vibration and resulting rapid wear of heat exchanger tubes when the flow velocity exceeds a critical value. For sub-critical flow velocities, the random turbulence excitation is the main mechanism to be considered in predicting the long-term wear of steam generator tubes. Since flow-induced interactions of the tubes with tube supports in the sub-critical flow velocity can cause a localized tube wear, tube movement in the clearance between the tube and tube support as well as the normal contact force on the tubes by fluid should be maintained as low as possible. A simplified method is used for predicting fretting-wear damage of the double $90^{\circ}$U-bend tubes. The approach employed is based on the straight single-span tube analytical model proposed by Connors, the linear structural dynamic theory of Appendix N-1300 to ASME Section III and the Archard's equation for adhesive wear. Results from the presented method show a similar trend compared with the field data. This method can be utilized to predict the fretting-wear of the double $90^{\circ}$U-bend tubes in steam generators.