Multiple scales analysis of water hammer attenuation

Abstract

A multiple scales analysis is used to construct a uniformly accurate approximation to water hammer pressure wave attenuation that is initiated by a sudden valve opening. The method of analysis is well suited to the study of a water hammer that possesses several time scales and is applied to a mild generalization of the classical equations. It should prove useful for finding attenuation curves when effects such as unsteady friction and fluid-structure interaction are added. The analytical results are numerically verified using the method of characteristics. © 2011 Brown University.