About pressure waves and wave method analysis
Describe how pressure waves are generated and propagated in a distribution system.
When using InfoSurge, it is important to understand how pressure waves begin and how they travel through a water network.
Wave method analysis: the study of how waves are generated and how they interact with other parts of a water network as they propagate.
Wave characteristic method (WCM): computational technique for transient flow analysis used by InfoSurge—based on concept of pressure wave generation and propagation in pipe systems.
Many variables determine characteristics of a wave, including pipe friction.
Wave speed is predominantly based on pipe properties, such as material, diameter, and wall thickness.
When a wave reaches a boundary, such as a junction, the wave reflects and propagates to other parts of the network.
Generation of Pressure Waves:
Pressure waves originate from the source of a disturbance, including:
- Partial or full closing or opening of a valve
- Starting or shutting down a pump
- Pipe rupture
- Change in reservoir pressure
- Closing a check valve
- Opening a pressure relief valve
Pressure Wave Modification:
Pressure waves are modified by system discontinuities, such as:
- Components with head/flow characteristics, like valves and pumps
- Junctions
- Surge control components which inject or remove liquid
InfoSurge has built-in pipe wave speed calculators.
For more in-depth information about the equations that govern wave method analysis, visit the InfoSurge help pages on the Autodesk website.