Pipes and Fittings

Components for pipe flows and hydraulic losses

Use these blocks to model pipe flow and resistances in the isothermal liquid domain.

Simscape Blocks

Area Change (IL)	Area expansion or contraction along a pipe in an isothermal liquid network (Since R2020a)
Elbow (IL)	Pipe turn in an isothermal liquid network (Since R2020a)
Local Resistance (IL)	Pipe resistances in an isothermal liquid system (Since R2020a)
Partially Filled Pipe (IL)	Pipe with variable liquid volume in an isothermal liquid system (Since R2020a)
Pipe (IL)	Pipe segment in an isothermal liquid network (Since R2020a)
Pipe Bend (IL)	Pipe bend segment in an isothermal liquid network (Since R2020a)
Rotating Channel (IL)	Rotating pipe with a fluid channel in an isothermal liquid network (Since R2020a)
T-Junction (IL)	Three-way junction in an isothermal liquid system (Since R2020a)
Cross-Junction (IL)	Cross-junction in an isothermal liquid network (Since R2022b)
Y-Junction (IL)	Y-junction in an isothermal liquid system (Since R2023a)

Featured Examples

Partially Filled Pipe

The Partially Filled Pipe (IL) block used to model the emptying and filling of a tank in multiple configurations. You can use the live script provided with this example to understand the effect of different configurations.

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Flow Divider

A simple way of modeling of the flow divider and using it with the load harness. The flow divider helps in dividing the input flow in desired percentage when the loads connected to the two lines are unequal. Flow divider allows flow only in forward direction. Therefore when it is used with the loads where unloading is done through reverse flows, then it should be used in conjunction with the direction control valves.

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Lubrication System

A simplified version of a lubrication system fed with the centrifugal pump. The system consists of five major units: Pump Unit, Scavenge Unit, Heat Exchanger Manifold, Nozzle Manifold, and Control Unit. Both the pump and the scavenge unit are built around the centrifugal pump. The Scavenge Unit collects fluid discharged by nozzles and pumps it back into the reservoir of the Pump Unit. The Control Unit generates commands to bypass either the heat exchanger, represented as a local resistance, or the nozzles block. In a real system, these commands are generated by temperature sensors installed in lubrication cavities.

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Water Hammer Effect

This demo shows how the Isothermal Liquid library can be used to model water hammer in a long pipe. After opening a valve to slowly establish steady flow in the pipe, the valve is quickly shut. If the Valve is shut quickly enough, it triggers a water hammer effect. A water hammer arrestor suppresses the pressure spikes.

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Power-Assisted Steering Mechanism

A simplified version of a power-assisted steering mechanism. The hydraulic actuation system includes a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, 4-way valve, fixed-displacement pump, and a pressure-relief valve. The steering rack acts against a load modeled by a spring and damper.

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Counterbalance Valve with Test Harness

Model, parameterize, and test a counterbalance valve in detailed fidelity and system level fidelity using a variant subsystem. Running the model generates a plot of the flow from the load port to the back port due to the relief action of the counterbalance valve using the detailed fidelity variant. A counterbalance valve allows an upstream flow from the back port to the load port through the check valve stage, and it allows a downstream flow from the load port to the back port through the relief stage. Counterbalance valves help with load holding, load actuation speed control, and safety.

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Pressure Reducing Valve in Punching Operation

Models a hydraulic system with a direct operated, pressure reducing valve. This system helps to limit and maintain pressure in a hydraulic punching machine. Pressure reducing valves are common in hydraulic pressing, drilling, and stamping applications.

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