Procedure for Determining 1-D Flow Distributions in Arbitrarily Connected Passages Without the Influence of Pumping

A calculation procedure is presented which allows the 1–D determination of flow distributions in arbitrarily connected (branching) flow passages having multiple inlets and exits. The procedure uses an adaptation of the finite element technique, iteratively coupled with an accurate 1–D flow solver. The procedure eliminates the usual restrictions inherent with finite element flow calculations. Unlike existing 1–D methods, which require simplifications to the flow equations (uncoupling the momentum and energy equations), to allow for arbitrary branching and multiple inlets and exits, the only limitation of the described methodology is that, at present, it can only accommodate non-rotating configurations (no pumping effects). The calculation procedure is robust, and will always converge for physically possible flow. The procedure is described, and its use is illustrated by an example.