Modelling Network

7/28/2019 Modelling Network

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Using Flowmaster to Model Networks

When modeling a network you use components from Flowmasters' wide range of components. Each

Flowmaster component is mathmatical representation of an engineering component. Selectedcomponents are connected together via nodes to form a network which forms the actual computer

model of the flow system. Once the model has been set up, and the general conditions of the

system have been defined the simulation can be run and the results interpreted.

You should always begin by producing a simple model of the conceptual design and progress in

stages to a precise detailed model of the whole system.

When using Flowmaster to design networks, you should always work through the following steps:

1. Consider the real system

2. Decide on the degree at which to model the system

3. Assemble the necessary data

4. Produce a Flowmaster network

5. Enter the specific data for the components in the network

6. Set up the general conditions for the network on the Simulation Data form

7. Run the simulation

8. Interpret the results

9. Repeat the procedure, refining and modifying the network.

When using Flowmaster to model networks, there are certain rules that you should understand

before proceeding. To find out what they are, click on the link below.

Modelling Networks - Rules

When modelling Incompressible and

Compressible networks, there are a number ofrules that you should understand before

proceeding. To find out what they are, click on

Page 1 of 23Using FLOWMASTER to Model Networks

8/12/2010file://C:\Documents and Settings\Maung Tint\Local Settings\Temp\~hhF3AE.htm


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Click the tab to see the rules when modelling non-hydraulic power networks.

Click the tab to see the rules when modelling Compressible Flow networks.

Click the tab to see the rules when modelling Hydraulic Power networks.

The aim of these rules are to outline the problems that are associated with fluid flow networks and

to guide you through the modelling process.

Networks - Creating Networks

To create a new network, proceed as follows:

1. Click on the 'Networks' tab to display the 'Networks' pane.

2. Next, click on the project you want to add the network to. This action exposes the 'NewNetwork' button shown below:

3. Click the button. The network is added to the list as 'New Network Name' and is highlighted.

Also, its properties are displayed in the lower pane (see below) and the 'Network Drawing'window opens.

4. Enter the name of the network. To see how you create a new network, move the mouse overthe image below:

one of the links below. The section expands to

show you the relevant details:

Find out about rules when modelling networks

Incompressible (Non-Hydraulic Power)

Compressible Flow

Hydraulic Power




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5. To give the network a description, click in the adjacent cell to expose a button. Click the buttonto display the 'Description' dialog.

6. Enter the description and then click OK.

7. The next step is to add the required components to complete the network. To see how you dothis, click on the 'Related Topics' link.

Related Topics

Copying and Moving Networks

Copying Networks

There are two copy options available for copying networks; namely:

1. Child - with this option, the copied network is 'attached' to the parent network, one level downas shown below.

2. Sibling - with this option, the copied network is displayed at the same level as the parent

network, as shown below.

To make a copy of a network, proceed as follows:




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1. Click the 'Networks' tab to see all your networks.

2. Right-click on the parent network and select the 'Copy' option. The 'Network Copy Option'dialog is displayed:

3. Select the required option to copy the network.

4. To rename the network, go to the lower pane and enter the new name in the cell next to

'Name'.

Moving Networks

This option allows you to 'drag-and-drop' networks between diferent projects. This can useful forusers that have access to multiple projects, in that they can drag a network from one project to

another.

For projects that have been 'shared-out' to other users, it is only possible for a user to move a

network from a project for which he has full access to.

What about the hierachy structure

If you have a network that has associated child networks (see above), then when you move the'master' network, the hierachy structure is maintained. Also, the results are retained for each

network.

Pre-requisites

In order to move a network, say from 'Project_1' to 'Project_2', then you have to be assigned

'Network Creator' status for the project you are logged-on to. For more details about user access,click-on the following link:

Setting-up User Accounts

How do I move a network?

Basically, you left-click on the required network and drag it to its new location. To see how you dothis. move the mouse over the image below:




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Networks - Deleting a Network

To delete a project, proceed as follows:

1. Click on the 'Networks tab. Next, click on the 'top-level' administration entry to display all theassociated projects.

2. Next, click on the required to display all its associated networks.

3. Click on the network you want to delete. The following confirmation dialog is displayed:

4. Click the 'Yes' button to display the 'Confirm Extended Deletion' dialog shown below:

The Network Drawing Window

The 'Network Drawing' window comprises two panes both of which are discussed below.

View Window?

The Left Pane

You can only delete a network, if you (i) own the project to which it belongs or (ii) have

administrator privileges.




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This is the Network Drawing pane. It is used to create new networks and display existing

networks. To build a network, you (i) click the 'Catalogues' tab, (ii) open the'Components' catalogue, (iii) open a sub-catalogue (e.g. Bends) and drag a component

into the drawing pane.

The Network Views Pane

This is a multifunction pane that comprises four tabbed forms. As you click a tab, theview in this pane changes accordingly. The forms are discussed as follows.

The Data Form

This is the default form and it comprises two panes. The top pane is used to collectcomponents and nodes. When you select a components and node, its data form is

displayed in the lower pane. The form is also used to display results for selectedcomponents and nodes.

To the left of the data form, is a series of buttons. To see what they do, move the mouseover a button to display a tooltip.

The Var. Param Form

This form allows you to create Variable Parameters, which are a way of inputting data ina simplified form. The parameters can then be applied to other components of the same

type. Entering data in this way can be of great help when performing parametric studies.

The parameters themselves MUST be entered in [ ] brackets. For example, if you wanted

to specify the Pipe Diameter, you would enter is as follows:

[pd1]

If you were entering the Orifice Diameter, then you would input the diameter as:

[od1]

You can also enter data as an expression. For example:

[k]/2

Where k is the loss coefficient.




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In addition, you can also access an external database and retieve values from stored

procedures. These values can then be applied to the relevant components.

The Sim. Data Form

This form comprises two panes. The top pane is used to set the data for the requiredsimulation, while the lower pane is used to:

Initiate or abort the simulation

Disable feedback

See simulation run-time messages

Set-up dynamic colouration.

The Result Sets/Audit Form

This form shows a list of results sets for simulations that have been run. Each result set

is shown in the order that the simulation was performed. In addition, the list also shows:

The type of simulation that was performed

The description of each simulation

The date that each simulation was run

Whether a particular simulation was successful or not.

To look at the results for a particular simulation, you first have to open a network.

Having done this, proceed as follows:

1. Double-click on the required result set. When you do this, the following actionsoccur:

a. The 'Data' form is displayed with the components loaded into the 'Collection

List', and

b. The mode is set to 'Results' and the results for the first component in the list are

displayed in the lower pane.

To view node results, continue as follows:

2. With the 'Data' form displayed, click the button to open the Component ResultFilter dialog.

3. Click the 'Nodes' button to load the nodes into the collection list.

You can now select a feature from the list and then use the various options to view theresults.

From this form, you can also:




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1. Delete a results set.

2. Amend the description for a particular results set.

3. Look at Errors and Warnings reports.

Building a Network

You build a network by placing components in the 'Network Drawing' window. InFlowmaster, components are grouped in the 'Components Catalogue'.

To build a Network proceed as follows:

1. With the 'Network Drawing' window open, click on the 'Catalogues' tab to see all the

available catalogues.

2. Next, open the 'Components' entry to see all the available component catalogues.

3. Next, open the required one (e.g. Bends) to see all the available components.

4. As you move the mouse over a component, its associated symbol is displayed. Toadd the component, left-click on it and drag it into the drawing window.

5. To add other components, open another component catalogue and add the

components as described in Steps 3 and 4.

6. To see how you place components in the 'Network Drawing' window, move themouse over the image below:

7. Having placed the components, the next step is to connect them together. To see

how you do this, click on the 'Related Topics' link.

The following steps assume that you have already created a network and are adding

components to it. If you have not already created one, then click on the following link:

Create a New Network?

If you want to add a number of components of the same type, right-click on the

required one and select the 'Copy' option. Move the cursor to the required positionand click the left mouse button to display the copy.




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Related Topics

Adding Components

There are two ways that you can add components. Both are explained as follows.

Adding components from the network drawing window?

To do this proceed as follows:

1. Right-click on the component that you want to add and select the 'Copy' option.

2. Move the cursor to the new position and then right-click to place the component.

3. To add other components of the same type, repeat Steps 1 and 2.

Adding components from a catalogue?


1. To add components, click the 'Catalogues' tab. Next, click-on the + sign next to theFlowmaster Supplied Components entry to see all the available component

catalogues.

2. Next, click on the + sign next to the required catalogue to see all the available

components.

3. As you move the mouse over a component, its associated symbol is displayed. Toadd the component, left-click on it and drag it into the drawing window. To see an

example, move the mouse over the image below:

If you are adding a number of components of the same type, say Bends, then you can

use the Pallete window to add components. To find out about the Pallete, click on thelink below:

Using the Pallete Window




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Aligning Components

The Align facility allows you to align components and nodes. There are trwo options

available:

1. Align horizontally, and

2. Align verically.

Align Components Horizontally


1. Using the mouse draw a box around the components that you want to align.

2. Next, click the button to align them.

You should only use this facility when the components are more or less in a straight

line. If you attempt to align components where one is above another one as shownbelow:

Then this happens:

Align Components Verically


1. Using the mouse draw a box around the components that you want to align.




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2. Next, click the button to align them.

Like the 'Align Horizontally' option, you should only use this facility when thecomponents are more or less alligned verically. If you attempt to align components

that are aligned in the manner shown below:

Then this happens:

Using the Pallete Window

The Pallete window is a 'dockable' window that can be used to store components. It

appears as a tab, at the left of the main window and automatically expands when youclick on the tab. For example:




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The function of the Pallete is to store components. If you click on a catalogue, say

Bends, then all the Bends are displayed in the Pallete window. When you click the tabto see all the components, then the name changes on the tab accordingly. For

example:




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One major use of the pallete, is that you can quickly access all components comprising

the selected catalogue. Also, the pallete can be 'floated' anywhere within the

'Flowmaster' window. This enables you to quickly access the components you require.

Connecting Components


1. Point to the first connection point. The cursor changes to:

Also a label is displayed showing the connection type.

2. Holding the left button down, drag the mouse to draw a line to the next connection

point. As you do this, the following dialog is displayed asking you to select the

circuit type:

Select the circuit type and then click OK.

3. Release the left mouse button. Depending on the connection type(s), a node pointis automatically inserted.

To see a movie on how you connect components, move the mouse over the image

below:




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4. Having built the network, the next step is to set the component Data.

Related Topics

Connections and Their Meanings

The three figures shown below demonstrate the placement of connections onFlowmaster symbols. The figures are presented in the form of a slide show. Clicking

the 'Next' button displays the next figure in the sequence, while clicking the 'Back'button displays the previous figure.

The following points relate to the placement of connections:

1. All connections are colour and shape coded as an aid to identification (see Figure

1).

2. A maximum of 60 connection points (e.g. ports) are allowed per symbol (seeFigure 2).

3. 15 connection points are allowed per edge of each symbol, starting from position 0(see Figure 2).

4. Fluid, force and solid connections are located at the centre of each symbol to aidalignment (see Figure 3).




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Figure 2 shows how connections can be placed around the component symbol. Inpractice though, you would place the symbols as shown in Figure 3, which shows the

symbol for an AC Evaporator.

Changing the Connection Type

The conection (e.g. link) between components can be one of the following:

1. Straight, or

2. Orthogonal.

To change the connection type, proceed as follows:

1. Depending on how the connection is set, right-click on the required connection and




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select one of the following options:

a. Straight

b. Orthogonal.

2. The line changes accordingly.

To see a movie on how you change the connection, move the mouse over the image

below:

Copying Components

Copying a single component

To copy a single component proceed as follows:

1. Left-click on the required component and select the 'Copy' option.

2. Move the cursor to the required position and left-click to place the component.

3. Right-click and select Idle mode to escape from the copy mode.

Copying a group of components

To copy a group of components proceed as follows:

1. Using the mouse, draw a box around the components you want to copy. The groupis highlighted in red.

2. Left-click on the group and select the 'Copy' option.

3. Move the cursor to the required position and left-click to place the group.

4. Right-click and select Idle mode to escape from the copy mode.

When you copy a component, any associated text is also copied.




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Deleting Components and Nodes

Deleting Components

To delete a component, proceed as follows:

1. Click-on the component you want to delete. A red box is shown around the

component.

2. Next, press the 'Delete' key. A confirmation dialog is displayed.

3. Click 'Yes' to continue. The dialog shown below is displayed:

4. If you choose the first option, then:

a. A copy is made and the copy is appended to the original network in the'Networks' pane.

b. The copy is opened so that you can now delete the component and continue.

5. If you choose the second option, then:

a. The results are deleted.

b. The network remains in place, minus the deleted component.

When you copy a group of components, any associated component text is alsocopied.




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Deleting Nodes

When you delete nodes, the process is the same as that for components.

Mirroring Components

You use the Mirror in X-axis and the Mirror in Y-axis buttons to mirror (flip)components in the X or Y plane. The mode of the controls vary, depending on the

actions you want to perform. For example:

Mirror a Single Component in the X Plane


1. Select the required component.

2. Click the button to flip the component.

3. Alternatively, select the component and then press the 'X' key to flip it.

Mirror Multiple Components in the X Plane

Use this mode if you want mirror more than one component. To do this proceed asfollows:

1. Double-click the button to set the Mirror in X-axis mode. As you move the cursor

back to the Network window, the cursor changes to:

2. Left-click on the required component to flip it.

3. To exit from the 'Mirror in X-axis' mode, press the 'Esc' key.

Mirror a Single Component in the Y plane?


Any text associated wth the component is also highlighted and will be deleted.




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2. Click the button to flip the component.

3. Alternatively, select the component and then press the 'Y' key to flip it.

Mirror Multiple Components in the Y Plane

Use this mode if you want mirror more than one component. To do this proceed as

follows:

1. Double-click the button to set the Mirror in Y-axis mode. As you move the cursorback to the Network window, the cursor changes to:

2. Left-click on the required component to flip it.

3. To exit from the 'Mirror in Y-axis' mode, press the 'Esc' key.

Replacing Components

You can replace components directly from the 'Network Drawing' window. The processcomprises the following steps:

1. Specifying the replacement method.

2. Specifying the new compatible component type.

3. Specifying whether you want to:

a. Keep the existing results and create a copy of the network, or:

b. Delete the results and modify the network.

4. Perform the changes and reload the network.

To replace a component, proceed as follows:

1. With the 'Network Drawing' window open, click the button. The 'Component

Replacement' dialog is displayed. To see the dialog, click-on the link below:

View Dialog?

2. Continue as shown below:




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To Do this

Determine the replacementmethod

1. Click the required radio button.

2. Next, click the 'Proceed' button.

Specify the compatible

component type

1. Click the 'Proceed' button. The 'Select

Replacement Component' dialog is displayed.The dialog functions in the same way as

'Selection from Catalogue' dialog, which is

used to search the database.

To see how you can search for components,

click on the following link:

Searching the Database

2. Follow the steps in the 'linked-to' topic. Uponselecting the new component, its name is

displayed.

3. Next, click the proceed button.

Determine whether or not tokeep the results

1. To keep the results and create a copy of thenetwork, click the associated radio button, or:

2. To delete the results and continue to modify

the network, click the associated radiobutton.

3. Next, click the 'Proceed' button.

Performing the changes. Depending on the actions taken in Step 3, then:

1. If you chose the first option in Step 3, then

the change is made and:

a. The original network is closed.

b. A copy is made and the copy is appended

to the original network in the 'Networks'pane.

c. The copy is opened with the new

component(s) in place.

2. If you chose the second option in Step 3,

then:

a. The change is made

b. The network is closed and then reopened

with the new component(s) in place.




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Rotating Components

You use the Rotate button from the Commands toolbar to rotate components. The

mode of the control varies, depending on the actions you want to perform. Forexample:

Rotate a Single Component



2. Click the button to rotate the component 90o. Each successive click rotates the

component a further 90o.

3. Alternatively, select the component and then press the 'R' key to rotate it.

Rotate Multiple Components

Use this mode if you want to rotate more than one component. To do this proceed asfollows:

1. Double-click the button to set the Rotate mode. As you move the cursor back to

the Network window, the cursor changes to:

2. Left-click on the component you want to rotate. Each click rotates the component

90o.

3. To exit from the 'Rotate' mode, press the 'Esc' key.

Rotate a Group of Components


1. Using the mouse, draw a box around the components you want to rotate. Thecomponents are outlined in red.

2. Next, click the button to rotate them.




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Flowmaster Pipe Symbols

Of the four basic pipe components available, each of them can be modelled in a

number of ways. The following table shows the pipe symbol for each type of pipe thatcan be modelled.

Table 1: Available Pipe Models and Corresponding Symbols

Type of Pipe Available Models Corresponding Symbol

Cylindrical Pipe Bubbly (Variable Wave Speed Model)

Compliant

Elastic

Rigid

Hexagonal Pipe Bubbly (Variable Wave Speed Model)

Compliant

Elastic

Rigid

Prismatic Pipe Bubbly (Variable Wave Speed Model)

Compliant




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Flexible Pipes

Pipes can be flexible or straight. To see how you can create a flexible pipe, proceed as

follows:

1. Right-click on a pipe and select the 'Pipe Style - Flexible' option.

2. Next, click-on the end of the pipe and then drag the mouse to shape the pipe. To

see an example, move the mouse over the image below.

Elastic

Rigid

Rectangular Pipe Bubbly (Variable Wave Speed Model)

Compliant

Elastic

Rigid

Cylindrical Pipe Gas (Compressible Flow only)


Modelling Network

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