1. Introduction and Typical Vibration Problems
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Published:2022
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Excessive flow-induced vibration must be avoided in process and nuclear system components. That is the purpose of this handbook. The term “process components” is used generally here to describe nuclear reactor internals, nuclear fuels, piping systems, and all shell-and-tube heat exchangers, including nuclear steam generators, power plant condensers, boilers, coolers, etc. Higher heat-transfer performance often requires higher flow velocities and more structural supports. On the other hand, additional supports may increase pressure drop and costs. The combination of high flow velocities and inadequate structural support may lead to excessive tube vibration. This vibration can cause failures by fatigue or fretting wear. Failures are very undesirable in terms of repair costs and lost production, particularly for high-capital-cost plants such as nuclear power stations, petroleum refineries and oil exploitation platforms. To prevent these problems at the design stage, a thorough flow-induced vibration analysis is recommended. Such analysis requires good understanding of the dynamic parameters and vibration excitation mechanisms that govern flow-induced vibration.