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Simulation Features

WATHAM is an engineering software package used to simulate the transient behaviour of pipelines or pipe networks carrying any pressurised Newtonian fluid.  It offers the essential features described on this page.
 

Units

Simulation may be carried out using either metric or imperial units.  To achieve the required level of accuracy, pipe flows are determined by the Colebrook-White formula.  In addition the user may choose the flow units.

Time

Transient simulations commence from one, user-selected, steady-state condition.  After this starting point, time is increased by a user-specified time increment and the transient response of the whole system is computed.  The smallest time increment allowed is 1 one-hundred-thousandth of a second (ideal for tiny systems).  On big systems 0.1 to 0.001 seconds are typical time increments.  Users nominate the transient simulation duration, which can be as short as a few seconds, through to when the system reaches a new stable, steady-state (e.g. 5 to 20 minutes). 

Data

Data preparation for the program facilitates simulation of very complex network arrangements.  For simple network and pump operation, data reduces to a very simple form that is quickly prepared.  Data can be imported and exported in a range of formats.  ESRI Shapefiles now tend to be the most efficient format for data import and export.

Work flow

Using WATHAM, a user may:

  1. Create and edit the configuration and engineering parameters for small to large networks.
  2. Classify the network into topological 'zones'.
  3. Classify components into construction 'stages' and select which stage of construction to use for steady-state simulations.
  4. Specify control valve and/or pump events to assess their transient impacts.
  5. Analyse the transient response to the specified events.
  6. View maps, graphs, tables, vertical long sections and animations of a number of dynamic parameters.