Hydrodynamics in Pressurized Pipe Systems

This Reprint presents recent advances in the analysis, modeling, and operation of pressurized water pipeline systems, with a particular focus on hydrodynamic processes under steady and transient flow conditions. The collected contributions address key challenges associated with water hammer, pressure surges, wave propagation, fluid-structure interaction, turbulent transient flows, and hydraulic losses in complex pipe geometries. Several studies investigate the behavior of pipelines during filling and emptying operations, highlighting the importance of air-water interactions, air valve performance, and operational strategies for mitigating negative pressures and excessive pressure surges. Advanced numerical methods, including one-dimensional, quasi-two-dimensional, and three-dimensional computational models, are evaluated and validated against experimental data to improve the prediction of transient hydraulic phenomena. The Reprint also explores pressure-dependent leakage modeling for pipeline design, demonstrating the need for more realistic approaches to system sizing and performance assessment. Emerging technologies, including Digital Twin frameworks, real-time monitoring, computational fluid dynamics, and data-driven methods, are presented as powerful tools for enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of water distribution infrastructure. Together, the contributions provide a comprehensive overview of current research trends and practical solutions for the design, operation, and management of pressurized pipe systems, offering valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and water utility professionals.