Analysis of loop methods for simulating gas networks

Abstract Four methods of loop generation have been described. Methods 1, 3, and 4 involve the depth-first search and the breadth-first search methods of graph searching to determine a dendrite of the network. In the second type (Method 2) a dendrite is generated in a different way. Assuming that the loop generation method is a part of the network simulation algorithm, the effectiveness of these methods has been investigated. The criterion of comparison has been formulated. Results of investigations have been given.