Experimental investigation of transients-induced fluid–structure interaction in a pipeline with multiple-axial supports

Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI) in pipes can significantly affect pressure fluctuations during water hammer event. In transmission pipelines, anchors with axial stops have an important role in the waterhammer-induced FSI as they can suppress or allow the propagation of additional stress waves in the pipe wall. More specifically, a reduction in the number of axial stops and/or their stiffness causes significant oscillations in the observed pressure signal due to the enhancement of Poisson’s coupling. To confirm these physical arguments, this research conducts experimental investigations and then processes the collected pressure signals. The laboratory tests were run on an anchored pipeline with multiple axial supports which some of them removed at some sections to emerge Poisson’s coupling. The collected pressure signals are analyzed in the time and frequency domain in order to decipher fluctuations that stem from Poisson coupling and other anchors effects. The analysis of the laboratory data reveals that the pattern of the time signals of pressure is primarily affected by the stiffness and location of the supports. Likewise, the properties of structural boundaries characterize the frequency spectrum of the transient pressures, which is manifested by altering the amplitudes corresponding to dominant frequencies of the system. The study is of particular importance in practice of transient based defect detections and pipe system design.