A flow network formulation for compressible and incompressible flow

Abstract

Purpose – One‐dimensional pipe network flow analysis can be used in many applications to satisfactorily solve various engineering problems. The paper aims to focus on this.Design/methodology/approach – A hybrid nodal method is detailed, which solves the pressure field prior to the elemental flows, and models both compressible gas and incompressible liquid and gas flows.Findings – The results obtained by the algorithm were verified against a number of published benchmark flow problems. The methodology was found to yield accuracy similar or improved, compared with that of others, while being applicable to both incompressible liquid and compressible gas flows. Convergence performance was found to be similar to other hybrid techniques.Originality/value – All flows are modelled via a single governing equation set. In the case of incompressible flow, the method is capable of dealing with both constant and variable cross‐sectional area ducts. The latter includes geometrically complex pipes such as sudden expansions.