A multi-stage approach of simulating turbulence-induced vibrations in a wire-wrapped tube bundle for fretting wear prediction

MYRRHA (Multi-purpose hYbrid Research Reactor for High-tech Applications) is a prototype of Generation IV reactor that will be constructed in Mol, Belgium. It liquid metal fast reactor, using lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) as coolant. Flow-induced vibrations resulting fretting wear could concern due to the high density LBE. Additionally, wire wrapped around each fuel rod preserve their mutual distance hexagonal array, which affects flow pattern. In this research turbulence-induced are investigated. Large-eddy simulation sound technique acquire turbulent loads, but it computationally demanding combine two-way coupled fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulation. However, because accurate prediction vibration cylinders subject typically requires added-mass effect, methodology consisting multiple steps proposed. First, modal characteristics pin determined fully FSI bare bundle. The material properties used model modified take into account effect wire, was experimentally beforehand. then construct realistic structural model, employed one-way with loads from large-eddy wire-wrapped contact neighboring rods and duct detected, providing boundary conditions allowing extract forces. These forces further post-processed together sliding displacement calculate work rates, an important parameter prediction. Two pins 19-pin bundle were investigated, central located one corners. repeated friction coefficients, its impeding on motions confirmed moderate fretting.