Work

Theoretical Study on Water Hammer Calculation in Pressurized Pipeline with Different Friction Constraints Using the Method of Characteristics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In previous studies on hydraulic transient processes in pressurized pipelines, most researchers have developed distinct mathematical models based on different friction models to predict water hammer phenomena. However, few studies have simulated water hammer under the coupled effects of multiple friction models. The innovation of this paper lies in modifying the axial momentum equation for the pipe wall to incorporate the Dahl friction model into the basic equation system of the four-equation model. This enables more accurate simulation of the nonlinear characteristics and hysteresis effects of pipelines with support structures during hydraulic transient processes. Based on experimental data from David Ferràs et al., this study compares coupling mechanisms of MIAB, Trikha unsteady friction models with Coulomb and Dahl friction models, and explores their impacts on transient head curves in waveform, phase and damping characteristics.The research findings indicate: (1) Compared to quasi-steady friction models, various unsteady friction models provide more accurate predictions of pressure wave attenuation and deformation. Among these, the MIAB unsteady friction model simulates waveform changes and peak pressure values more precisely than the Trikha unsteady friction model. However, during long-term simulations, the Trikha unsteady model demonstrates superior phase stability. (2) Compared to traditional simulation methods using the Coulomb friction model, the introduced Dahl friction model more precisely reproduces the dynamic evolution of wave peaks and troughs in the head variation curve. It particularly excels in accurately describing nonlinear characteristics and hysteresis effects during transient processes.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2026.112140