Detection of Abrupt Flow Discontinuities in Open-Surface Channels by Transient Analysis

Abstract

From a linearized form of the equations of unsteady (transient) motion in an open channel of uniform cross section using the well-known technique of the characteristic lines, it is shown that under a set of not-too-restrictive conditions, the sudden occurrence of abrupt flow discontinuities, such as a sudden leak, burst, or whatever flow perturbation, can be detected and localized by monitoring, and the pressure variations in a purposefully designed array of transducers located along the channel bottom can be suitably processed in real time. This study, which belongs to the general theme of transient analysis, extends the techniques of burst detection, localization, and quantification to the case of open-surface flows, which are tested for the first time by the authors in the case of single pressurized pipes. The proposed methodology can easily be applied to instantaneously detect and assess unexpected events that can occur in the more sensible and vulnerable channel stretches.