WATER HAMMER IN PIPE NETWORK

Abstract

When a velocity of a liquid flowing in pipeline is abruptly altered by any set of circumstances, pressure waves are created which travel randomnly in the pipeline leading to a phenomenon, known as water hammer or hydraulic transient which are detrimental to the piping system. Its control is of great importance in hydraulic installations water supply systems, aircraft, fuel system etc. Owing to non-availability of computational facilities till last decade much attention has not been paid in India, to water hammer analysis in the piping systems. In the present study a problem of water hammer caused by acre--dental or planned valve settings in a piping system with junctions are analysed by developing computer programmes based on "Method of Characteristics". The computer programmes developed in this study are amenable for modification and studying the problem in actual pipe networks like the one proposed by BHEL. The effect of friction factor with time on the discharge and head have also been analysed for developing programmes. It has been observed that the effect of friction factor with time on head and discharge is not much varied. The results of which are useful in the predi- ction of head and discharges fOr control of water hammer