Uncoupled numerical study on Flow Induced Vibrations in 60 degree header-branch pipe junction

Abstract

Flow Induced Vibrations in pipelines and pipe systems are of significant consequences in many industries. A wide range of fluids are transported through pipelines consisting of multiple pipe junctions. Pressure pulsations and mechanical vibrations in liquid-transporting pipe systems affect performance and safety. The turbulence structure of compressible methane flow in the 60 degree branch-header pipe junction has been investigated numerically, and the results are used to study the response of the pipe structure, using an uncoupled analysis approach. The fluid numerical solution was conducted employing SST and comparisons with RSM are provided. Various points of interest have been studied with emphasis on pressure fluctuation in the fluid and displacements in the structure, taking into account the effect of various boundary conditions. Transient results with three boundary conditions, namely Sine, Pulse, and Plain Turbulence have been obtained to understand the physics of the flow and the vibration response for various pipe support configurations.