Modeling Flow-Induced Vibrations in Tube Bundles: From Turbulence to Motion

A Comparative Study of Numerical Models and Solver Approaches

Master Thesis (2025)
Author(s)

D.P. Sturrus (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)

Contributor(s)

A.H. van Zuijlen – Mentor (TU Delft - Aerodynamics)

B.W. van Oudheusden – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerodynamics)

J. Sodja – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Group Sodja)

Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Graduation Date
04-12-2025
Awarding Institution
Delft University of Technology
Programme
['Aerospace Engineering']
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
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Abstract

This thesis explores how computational fluid dynamics can be used to predict cross-flow–induced vibrations in tube bundles. The work combines numerical modeling and experimental validation to examine how accurately turbulence models can reproduce the flow behavior and resulting structural response. The project is divided into two phases: a flow-only investigation to assess turbulence modeling approaches, and a coupled fluid–structure phase to predict vibration. The findings show that accurate reproduction of the flow field and excitation forces requires sufficient turbulence resolution and careful numerical treatment. The study highlights both the potential and the limitations of present modeling techniques and provides guidance for future high-fidelity simulations of flow-induced vibrations in complex tube-bundle systems.

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