Predicting the head-area slopes of round leaks in pipes subject to elastic deformations

Abstract eng:
Leak openings in water distribution system pipes are not static, but have areas that vary with pressure. These changes in area affect the way that leakage respond to changes in pressure, and are thus important for municipal engineers to understand. In this study, a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) study was carried out to model the behaviour of round holes in pipes with varying pressure under elastic conditions. It was found that the areas of the holes vary as linear functions of pressure in the pipe. The FEA was then used to better understand the factors that affect the slope of this line, called the head-area slope m. Parameters investigated in the study include the pipe material (elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio and longitudinal stress), pipe geometry (wall thickness and internal diameter) and hole diameter. Solid mechanics theory was then used to develop an equation to predict the head-area slope of round holes in different pipes and materials. Various techniques were used in the development of the equation, and a reasonable expression was found that may be used in further research and practice.

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