Computer modelling of piping components for transient hydrodynamic-structural response

Abstract The paper describes three new piping components that are coupled with existing pipe and elbow models so that transient hydrodynamic-structural response analysis of general piping systems is possible. The three models are: a generalized piping component model, a tee-branching junction model, and a surge tank model. Optional interior rigid wall simulation and heat exchanger tube bundle representation in the generalized piping component model makes possible its use in modelling valves, pipe expansions and reducers, and heat exchangers. Two-dimensional implicit continuous-fluid Eulerian finite difference technique is utilized in the hydrodynamics calculations. A convected coordinates finite element method is used in the structural analysis which considers both the membrane and bending strengths of the thin axisymmetric shells representing the walls.