Modeling of fluid dynamics interacting with ductile fraction propagation in high pressure pipeline

This paper presents a computational model for the fluid dynamics in a fractured ductile pipe under high pressure. The pressure profile in front of the crack tip, which is the driving source of crack propagation, is computed using a nonlinear wave equation. The solution is coupled with a one dimensional choked flow analysis behind the crack. The simulation utilizes a high order optimized prefactored compact–finite volume method in space, and low dispersion and dissipation Runge–Kutta in time. As the pipe fractures the rapid depressurization take place inside the pipe and the propagation of the crack-induced waves strongly influences the outflow dynamics. Consistent with the experimental observation, the model predicts the expansion wave inside the pipe, and the reflection and outflow of the wave. The model also helps characterize the propagation of the crack dynamics and fluid flows around the tip of the crack.