Analysis Techniques for Modeling the Pressure Wave Effects of Guillotine Ruptures of Steam Lines

The rupture of a pipe containing gas or steam at high pressure will cause a shock wave. In order to assess the potential damage that such a shock wave may cause to the surrounding structures, systems and components, it is necessary to determine the amplitude and propagation properties of the shock. A CFD model has been developed for the purpose of predicting shock propagation transients resulting from a sudden pipe rupture in terms of the fluid properties, pipe geometry, and surroundings. A simplified shock propagation model also is included, which offers verification of the CFD model results.