Due to the high operating temperature of the generator in the solar thermal power plant
the significant temperature difference between the molten salt (shell-side hot fluid) and the saturated water (tube-side cold fluid)
along with the substantial pressure differential between the shell and tube sides
induces considerable stress on the heat exchange tubes. This study establishes a three-dimensional numerical model for convective heat transfer of molten salt in the shell-side tubes. It calculates the stresses caused by thermal loads
pressure loads
and their combined effects
investigating the influence of temperature and pressure on tube stress. The stress distribution patterns under these three loading conditions are presented. The results indicate that pressure loads have a more significant impact on tube stress compared to thermal loads. As the thermal load increases
the maximum total stress on the heat exchange tube rises from 40 MPa to 76.3 MPa
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