Flowgraph Analysis of Pipeline Networks

A flowgraph can be considered as a new kind of notation which provides a precise, easily visualized description of a physical system. The functional relations can be explicitly expressed dependent only on the topology giving identical algebraic solutions to systems with isomorphic flowgraphs. The flow graph representation of the pipeline network can be obtained directly on inspection of the network by making use of proper transformations. It is analyzed by the topological solution algorithm derived from the feedback theory, and the flowgraph solution explicitly expresses the functional relationships between mesh flows and junction head values, the variables chosen. Nonlinear network problems can be solved by linear approximation. Sensitivity analysis can be done to aid in the design of pipe dimensions. The method is amenable for solution by computer aids.