Two Window Formats

Format #1: Junctions with One or Two Connecting Pipes

The first basic window format is for junction types that allow only one or two connecting pipes (see Figure 1). While junctions do not have an explicitly defined flow direction like pipes do, typically those with two pipes or less adopt a direction from the connecting pipes. For these junction types, upstream and downstream pipes are recognized by AFT Fathom based on the reference positive flow direction of the connecting pipes. The upstream and downstream pipes are displayed separately near the top of the window.

In this first basic window type, it is generally important to have the pipe’s reference positive flow directions specified in the physically correct directions. A good example of this is a pump junction. A pump will add pressure to the system, but it does so only in the direction of positive flow through the connecting pipes. The Pump junction interprets where to add the pressure based on the directions of the connecting pipes.

Format #2: Junctions with More Than Two Connecting Pipes

The second basic window format for junction Properties Windows is for junctions that allow more than two connecting pipes (see Figure 2). These junctions typically allow up to twenty-five connecting pipes; the exceptions are the Three-Way Valve and Tee/Wye junctions, which allow only three.

Because the number of pipes connected to a junction may vary, the second basic format uses a table sized according to the number of connecting pipes.

An example of this second window format is the Branch Properties window, shown in Figure 2, which has three connecting pipes. To determine AFT Fathom's interpretation of the model connectivity for this second window format, you can review the contents of the table areas.

K factors in the first column will be applied for flow into the pipe and out of the junction, while K factors in the second column will be applied for flow out of the pipe and into the junction.