Interface model for transient cavitating flow in pipelines

Abstract

A generalized interface mathematical model for describing transient cavitating flow and column separation in pipelines during unsteady flow is given. Simpson's 1986 model has now been generalized for all types of pipe configuration with a more detailed treatment of intermediate cavities. The various cases of interaction between water hammer regions, distributed vaporous cavitation regions, intermediate cavities, and cavities at boundaries in pipelines are described. A new numerical scheme for solving various flow conditions in a pipeline is given and an alternative formulation of the shock equations is presented. A numerical example is given and a comparison is made with the results from the discrete vapour cavity model. (A)