Numerical Simulation of Condensation-Induced Water Hammer With Dynamic Valve Control Using a Phase Change Model

Abstract This article focuses on the phenomenon of complex water hammer that occurred during the testing period of the steam pipeline in a nuclear power plant. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques are utilized to simulate the transient behavior of condensation-induced water hammer (CIWH). An phase change model is implemented to accurately capture the phase transition process and its impact on the system dynamics. A dynamic valve control function is implemented to investigate the impact of valves on CIWH, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of their influence. The simulation results are compared with the actual operating conditions in the steam pipeline for validation. Overall, the numerical simulation approach established in this article effectively reproduced the process of complex water hammer, laying the foundation for subsequent model optimization and triggering mechanism research.