Pipeburst Flow Analysis

Abstract

The flow in a burst pipe is analyzed by treating it as flow out of a vessel having a large aperture. Lumped system approximation of the flow permits the application of mass oscillation equations. Rupture simulation outlined in the paper is applied to high head penstocks and water supply mains. The study shows that peak rupture velocity attains a value as high as 2.5 times the steady state velocity. Although the flow out of the rupture is uncontrolled, the boundary friction of the pipeline and its profile seem to have a significant influence. An inexpensive technique such as the simulation described in the paper is expected to provide an economical basis for sizing the air inlet valves and ascertaining the performance of emergency valves provided in the pipelines.