Tube vibration in a half-scale sector model of a helical tube steam generator

This paper presents the experimental technique and results of tests on a half-scale sector model of a steam generator helical coil tube bank. A series of tests was performed: (1) bench tests of a single helical tube in air; (2) tests of the sector model in air; (3) tests of the sector model in stationary water to determine natural frequencies and damping; (4) tests in flow. The experimental results reveal the general characteristics of the sector model and provide the information for the design evaluation of a helical tube array to avoid detrimental fluidelastic instability.