The modeling and analysis of the interaction between flowing fluids and structures such as pipe fittings, flexible flow lines and risers provides a new research paradigm for Fluid Flow Projects.  In general, this project aims towards the characterization of the hydrodynamic (static or dynamic) forces generated in flexible flow lines or risers due to multiphase flow.  The mechanical design of flow lines and risers usually emphasizes the induced loads and vibrations generated by external flows to the system in order to obtain the static and dynamic analyses of them.  Loads and vibrations induced by internal single-phase flow or pressure waves has also been extensively studied, while this is not the case for multiphase flow.  When the hydrodynamic forces act on pipe fittings, flexible flow lines and risers, these will undergo deformation, and they will react and apply an opposite force against fluid.  This force is based on its material properties, such as elasticity, natural frequency, damping parameters, etc.  During this process, two-phase flow is also disturbed and the direction and magnitude of the hydrodynamic forces could change. Consequently, interaction between multiphase flow and flow lines is generated due to the coupling of force fluctuations between these two dynamic systems.

This new topic represents challenges in measurement and scalability perspectives and shows broad applicability for pipeline reliability (flow assurance, structural integrity, fatigue, live time cycle, etc.).  Some of the challenges are:

• Pipe geometry effect
• Flow pattern effect (holdup and superficial velocities)
• High pressure effect
• Fluid properties effect
• Spectral two-phase flow behavior
• Interactions and coupling between these two dynamic systems

We propose three specific research topics related to this research area as described under potential projects.

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