This paper presents simulations of a loosely supported cantilever tube subjected to turbulence and fluidelastic instability forces. Several time domain fluid force models are presented to simulate the damping-controlled fluidelastic instability mechanism in tube arrays. These models include a negative damping model based on the Connors equation, fluid force coefficient-based models (Chen, 1983, “Instability Mechanisms and Stability Criteria of a Group of Cylinders Subjected to Cross-Flow. Part 1: Theory,” Trans. ASME, J. Vib., Acoust., Stress, Reliab. Des., 105, pp. 51–58; Tanaka and Takahara, 1981, “Fluid Elastic Vibration of Tube Array in Cross Flow,” J. Sound Vib., 77, pp. 19–37), and two semi-analytical models (Price and Païdoussis, 1984, “An Improved Mathematical Model for the Stability of Cylinder Rows Subjected to Cross-Flow,” J. Sound Vib., 97(4), pp. 615–640; Lever and Weaver, 1982, “A Theoretical Model for the Fluidelastic Instability in Heat Exchanger Tube Bundles,” ASME J. Pressure Vessel Technol., 104, pp. 104–147). Time domain modeling and implementation challenges for each of these theories were discussed. For each model, the flow velocity and the support clearance were varied. Special attention was paid to the tube/support interaction parameters that affect wear, such as impact forces and normal work rate. As the prediction of the linear threshold varies depending on the model utilized, the nonlinear response also differs. The investigated models exhibit similar response characteristics for the lift response. The greatest differences were seen in the prediction of the drag response, the impact force level, and the normal work rate. Simulation results show that the Connors-based model consistently underestimates the response and the tube/support interaction parameters for the loose support case.
