Fretting Wear Characteristics of Tube-Support Components for a Steam Generator in Elevated Temperature

Abstract

Tubes in nuclear steam generators are held up by supports because the tubes are long and slender. Fluid of high-pressure and high-temperature flows in the tubes and the flows cause oscillating motions between tubes and supports. This is called FIV (flow induced vibration) which cause fretting wear in contact part of tube-support. The fretting wear of tube-support can threaten the safety of nuclear power plant. Therefore, a research about the fretting wear characteristics of tube-support is required. This work is focused on investigations of fretting wear characteristics and wear mechanisms of tube-support. Results are that the wear rate of tube is proportional to that of support and as water temperature increases the wear volume of tube-support decreases because the oxidation rate decreases due to lack of the oxygen concentration in contact surfaces. Also, the wear mechanisms of tube-support are abrasive and oxidational wear.