Q1-8 Current Knowledge in Two-Phase Flow-Induced Vibration

F. J. Aguirre

1996

Flow-induced vibration can be a serious problem in shell-and-tube exchangers. It is caused by coupling an excitation force, provided by the shellside flow, with an elastic structure represented by the tube bundle.

For some vibration mechanisms, vibration occurs when the natural frequency of the tubes matches the frequency of the excitation forces. The latter increases with increasing flow velocities. Excessive flow-induced vibration can damage tubes, produce fluid leaks, and even destroy a heat exchanger. Accurate prediction of the tube natural frequency and excitation frequencies can help prevent heat exchanger damage resulting from flow-induced vibration.