The response of water-filled pipes to pressure pulses

Argonne National Laboratory has developed two-dimensional axisymmetric fluid-structure-interaction codes to predict the pressures and strains in the primary piping loop caused by HCDA-generated pressure pulses. Verification of these codes requires simple, well-defined experiments in which scale models of the primary piping are loaded with pressure pulses and the pressures, strains, and deformation in the pipe are measured. This paper presents the results of such an experimental program. Experiments were performed on 5-foot-long (3 inch OD, 0.065 inch wall) Ni 200 pipe sections filled with water. Experimental results are compared with predictions from a one-dimensional, method-of-characteristics computer analysis of pressure pulses propagating in a plastically deforming pipe. (Auth.)