Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Pressurized Wave Front in a Circular Pipe

Abstract

This paper focuses on pressurized wavefront behavior and an analysis of trapped air pockets. Flow behavior, trapped air-pocket pressure, and different pressurized wavefront shapes in addition to their propagation conditions were investigated to improve modeling of mixed flows with trapped air pockets in stormwater systems. Pipe slopes, inflow, and reservoir water-levels were considered in an experimental analysis of the initiation, propagation of the wavefront, and flow behavior. Results show that the formation, propagation, and stability of the wavefront shape are highly dependent on the reservoir water-level and pipe slope. Pressurized wavefronts take on different shapes depending on manhole water level, pipe slope, and air pressure. The shape of the pressurized wavefront is sharper when the initial pipe depth