Modeling Low Frequency Axial Fluid Acoustic Modes in Continuous Loop Piping Systems

E. Gutierrez-Miravete[1], E.R. Marderness[2]
[1]Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Hartford, CT, USA
[2]General Dynamics-Electric Boat, Groton, CT, USA
Published in 2012

Industrial fluid systems often involve continuous piping loops. These systems consist of varying lengths of pipes and hoses connecting multiple components together. Fluid resonances can detrimentally affect the operation of fluid systems and components. This work used COMSOL to investigate the frequency and mode shapes of axial fluid resonances within a system of piping and components that form a continuous loop. Water was used as the working fluid flowing inside a metallic pipe. The frequencies and mode shapes of the pressure modes were also calculated with an eigenvalue analysis of the model and the Transfer Matrix Method for purposes of comparison .