An Efficient Quasi-2D Simulation of Waterhammer in Complex Pipe Systems

Abstract

An efficient quasi-2D numerical waterhammer model for turbulent waterhammer flows has been previously developed for a single pipe system (reservoir-pipe-valve system). Basic boundary conditions, such as valves, reservoirs, and external flows, were also implemented. This paper extends this previously developed efficient scheme to a general model for a multipipe system. More specifically, an approach for matching the family of characteristic equations in each pipe at a junction of two or more pipes is proposed. In addition, the numerical stability conditions of the efficient scheme are investigated using the Von Neumann method. The resulting model is verified against experimental data and then applied to different complex systems involving pipes in series, branching, and network. Using this model, the effects of unsteady friction in complex pipe systems are examined and analyzed in this paper. From the case studies, it is found that the quasi-2D model is highly efficient, robust, and suitable for application to waterhammer problems in real complex pipe system.