Flow induced vibration of tube bundles remains an important problem in the nuclear industry. A number of theories modelling fluid-elastic instability have been developed. In those theories, understanding the influence of a tube on its neighbors is of primary importance. Since it is very difficult and time consuming to measure experimentally the complete set of cross-coupling effects, numerical simulations could provide a valuable alternative.
This talk presents a numerical study of the inter-cylinder coupling effects, or stability derivatives, in a bundle of tubes subject to a cross-flow. This study investigates the potential of the Sensitivity Equations Method (SEM) as a tool for determining those stability derivatives. We consider a viscous, incompressible, steady and low Reynolds number flow. We designed and built an experimental loop to recreate the flow regime of the numerical simulation. We discuss the design of the system and the experimental methods needed to obtain good measurements of the stability derivatives. An analytical/numerical model has been developed to compare the numerical results with the experimental ones. Comparisons confirm the potential usefulness of the SEM and justify the continuation of its development for more realistic flows.