General Component

The General Component junction type is internal to the system and requires two connecting pipes. This junction type allows you to model the irrecoverable loss that occurs through equipment that may not be explicitly represented on the Toolbox and to specify loss factors as a function of a flow parameter.

The General Component Properties window follows the first of the two basic Properties window formats, displaying the connecting pipes in a fixed format. The flow direction through the junction is determined by the defined directions of the connecting pipes.

When you select Resistance Curve, the General Component Properties Window makes additional features available. You can specify polynomial constants, fit a curve to available data, or use interpolated x-y data.

When a variable loss is specified, AFT xStream modifies the loss factor in the Solver to agree with the solution. You can choose any of the optional flow and pressure parameters provided, and you can specify the most convenient units.

No transient data can be entered for a General Component. From a transient point of view, the junction is a static element.

An optional input in the General Component Properties window is the CdA. This parameter describes an effective area restriction for the purpose of calculating sonic choking. In most cases, information on the CdA must be obtained from the manufacturer or from test data.