Fluid transients and fluid-structure interaction in flexible liquid-filled piping

Abstract

Fluid-structure interaction in piping systems (FSI) consists of the transfer of momentum and forces between piping and the contained liquid during unsteady flow. Excitation mechanisms may be caused by rapid changes in flow and pressure or may be initiated by mechanical action of the piping. The interaction is manifested in pipe vibration and perturbations in velocity and pressure of the liquid. The resulting loads imparted on the piping are transferred to the support mechanisms such as hangers, thrust blocks, etc. The phenomenon has recently received increased attention because of safety and reliability concerns in power generation stations, environmental issues in pipeline delivery systems, and questions related to stringent industrial piping design performance guidelines. Furthermore, numerical advances have allowed practitioners to revisit the manner in which the interaction between piping and contained liquid is modeled, resulting in improved techniques that are now readily available to predict FSI. This review attempts to succinctly summarize the essential mechanisms that cause FSI, and present relevant data that describe the phenomenon. In addition, the various numerical and analytical methods that have been developed to successfully predict FSI will be described. Several earlier reviews regarding FSI in piping have been published; this review is intended to update the reader on developments that have taken place over the last approximately ten years, and to enhance the understanding of various aspects of FSI. There are 123 references cited in this review article.