Fluidelastic Instability Characteristics of Helical Steam Generator Tubes

This study investigates the fluidelastic instability characteristics of helical steam generator type tubes used in operating nuclear power plants. To obtain a natural frequency, corresponding mode shape, and participation factor, modal analyses using various conditions are performed for helical type tubes. Investigated are the effects of the number of turns, the number of supports, and the status of the inner fluid on the modal and fluidelastic instability characteristics of the tubes, which are expressed in terms of the natural frequency, the corresponding mode shape, and the stability ratio.