Physics

Water hammer shockwaves in liquid-filled pipes analyzed with new computational framework

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Computational flui…Fluid-structure in…Water hammer

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This study presents a computational framework that couples Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with Computational Solid Mechanics (CSM) to analyze the transient vibrations that occur in liquid-filled pipelines during water hammer events. Water hammer refers to pressure surges created when fluid flow is suddenly stopped or changed, causing shock waves that can induce significant structural vibrations. The script-based approach allows for integrated analysis of both the fluid pressure dynamics and the resulting mechanical response of the pipeline structure.


Understanding water hammer-induced vibrations is critical for preventing pipeline failures in water distribution systems, oil and gas infrastructure, and industrial facilities. This computational framework provides engineers with improved tools for predicting and mitigating potentially catastrophic pipeline damage caused by sudden valve closures or pump shutdowns.


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Computational fluid dynamics 24 articles Explore Concept → Fluid-structure interaction Concept coming soon Water hammer Concept coming soon

Source: Transient vibration analysis of liquid-filled pipelines under water hammer using a script-based CFD-CSM framework