Transient Analysis of Mixed Free-Surface-Pressurized Flows With Modified Slot Model: Part 1 — Computational Model and Experiment

Abstract

A new computational model is developed here to analyze the influence of entrapped air on free-surface-pressurized flows in a drainage system. A virtual slot with ceiling on the top of the pipe is introduced to treat a separated gas-liquid flow. This model is a modified model of Preissmann’s and is applicable not only to open channel flow and closed conduit flow but also pressurized flow with entrapped air. Compared to experimental results using the model of 1/50 scale of actual drainage system, the calculation results show that the entrapped air in a horizontal pipe advances the time of pressure rising and makes the maximum value of pressure higher. The escape flow of entrapped air at a dropshaft is caused by long waves pushing the air in the horizontal pipe, and then the pipe slope affects the flow rate of air. The air compressibility has less effect on the transient separated air-water flow in the small-scale model.