Abstract
While the potential use of energy harvesters as structural health monitors show promise, numerical models related to the design, deployment and performance of such monitors often present significant challenges. One such challenge lies in the problem of leak detection in fluid-carrying pipes. Recent advances in experimental studies on energy harvesters for such monitoring has been promising but there is a paucity in existing literature in linking relevant fluid–structure interaction models around such applications. This paper addresses the abovementioned issue by developing a numerical model with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element (FE) tools and carries out extensive analyses to compare it with existing experiments under controlled laboratory conditions. Conventional Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) films for leak detection and monitoring of water pipes were considered in this regard. The work provides guidelines on parameter selection and modeling for experimental design and repeatability of results for these types of experiments in future, around the demands of leak monitoring. The usefulness of such models is also demonstrated through the ability to estimate the optimum distribution frequency of these sensors that will enable the detection of the smallest leak of consequence under a known or established flow condition.
Highlights
Vibration leak detection methods have been identified as effective for early leak detection in pipes
The simulations first established the root-mean-square estimates of negative pressure waves in pipes to be a valid indicator of the leak
The effective calibrations of markers of such detection are presented, which is relevant for any future experimental design
Summary
Vibration leak detection methods have been identified as effective for early leak detection in pipes. They are a popular choice for any leak detection set-up because they are non-invasive and more suited for monitoring than inspection [1,2,3]. The principle of vibration-based leak detection is anchored to the Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI) and Negative Pressure Wave Propagation Attenuation. Research has been carried out using commercially available accelerometers as sensors for vibration pipe leak detection [7,8]. The need for cheap, output-only and flexible vibration sensors for pipe leak detection is what motivated the development of patches made from piezoelectric materials as alternative sensors to commercial accelerometers.
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