Transient analysis of gas pipeline network

Traditionally, the governing equations for transient analysis of gas pipeline network involve two partial differential equations, which are normally solved by complex numerical methods. Following the success of its application in the steady analysis of pipeline networks, the electric analogy method is extended by combining resistance and capacitance, which leads to a first order ordinary differential equation and an alternative route to solving the transient problem. Solving the proposed first order ordinary differential equation has been shown to be much simpler than having to solve the set of partial differential equations normally encountered in other transient models. It is found that the results obtained are comparable to those obtained from the traditional methods published in the literature. The proposed method is computationally efficient and is readily applicable as a method for design and control of network systems. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.