waterhammer.cfd


cfd


Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling
is a valuable tool for assessing and mitigating water hammer risks in piping systems, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of hydraulic systems. When checking for water hammer, which is a hydraulic shock phenomenon in piping systems caused by sudden changes in flow velocity, CFD modelling offers several key benefits:

  1. Prediction of Pressure Transients: CFD can predict the pressure transients that occur during water hammer events, helping engineers identify potential problem areas in piping systems.
  2. Identification of Critical Points: CFD can identify critical points in a piping system where water hammer is likely to occur, allowing engineers to design appropriate mitigation measures.
  3. Optimization of System Design: CFD can optimize the design of piping systems to reduce the risk of water hammer, such as by adjusting pipe diameters, adding surge tanks, or modifying valve configurations.
  4. Validation of Experimental Results: CFD can validate experimental results obtained from physical tests, providing a more comprehensive understanding of water hammer behaviour in specific systems.
  5. Cost-Effective Analysis: CFD can provide cost-effective analysis of water hammer effects compared to physical testing, especially for complex systems or when conducting parametric studies.
  6. Safety Improvement: By identifying and mitigating water hammer risks, CFD can improve the safety and reliability of piping systems, reducing the likelihood of equipment damage or failure.