Determination of Pressure Wave Propagation Velocity in Closed Hydraulic Pipes

This paper focuses on determining the propagation velocity of pressure waves in closed hydraulic pipes. It is shown that under transient conditions, the propagation velocity of pressure waves depends, among other things, on temperature, pressure and the substitute bulk modulus. Accurate knowledge of the pressure wave propagation velocity is crucial for predicting pressure amplitudes during transient flows, including the phenomenon of water hammer. Excessive pressure amplitudes in the pipe can lead to critical pipeline damage and increased vibrations. Experimental studies were conducted to determine the pressure wave propagation velocity in flexible steel-braided pipes and in a rigid pipe over a wide range of internal pressures. The results of the analyses presented in the papers may be helpful to scientists and engineers when designing pipelines and selecting the strength parameters of pipes, taking into account the possible maximum values of internal pressure amplitudes.