Abstract
Methods for handling the transient flow equations are developed for application of the high-speed digital computer. For incompressible flow cases ordinary nonlinear differential equations occur which are solved simultaneously by established sub-routines on the computer, such as the Runge-Kutta method. For the partial differential equations of compressible water hammer with nonlinear terms such as friction, the method of characteristics and of specified time intervals are employed for those problems in which the flow changes from one steady-state to another steady-state. For steady-oscillatory flow, impedance methods have been adapted to the computer with harmonic analysis of the exciting disturbance. Experimental evidence is presented to confirm the accuracy of the procedures for single and series pipes, for pump failures, and for reciprocating pumps. Additionally the design problem of optimum operation of a valve to minimize transient pressure fluctuations has been introduced and applied to single and series pipes, including a pump failure situation.
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