We are excited about all the new features coming in our AFT Impulse 5 waterhammer and surge modeling software. We plan to release this much anticipated new version before the end of the year.
Many of our customers find it interesting that the foundational code developers at AFT are former rocket engineers. Jeff Olsen and I wrote the bulk of AFT Fathom™, AFT Arrow™, and AFT Impulse™ from 1993-2003. Jeff is currently AFT's Vice President of Technology. We both hold B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering.
The question of whether waterhammer analysis on new pipe systems is optional or required does not have a definite answer. In some cases it is clear - such as when the pipe system is being designed in compliance with ASME code (see How AFT Impulse Can Help Engineers Comply With ASME Codes). But in many cases it is up to experience and judgment whether or not to perform waterhammer analysis.
Introducing Applied Flow Technology![]() |
Fluid transportation is an integral part of today's society. AFT software products have emerged as world leaders in helping engineers move fluids more safely and efficiently. There are countless examples of this. We have chosen four such stories to help engineers understand how our products can help them solve problems and improve their engineering designs and operations. We developed a video to tell this story. Watch it here!
The demand for our AFT Impulse waterhammer modeling software and associated training seminars has been growing steeply in recent years. I frequently travel internationally to teach seminars on waterhammer. When I do I make it a point to find out what the engineer's local language calls waterhammer.
A common task among pipe stress engineers is to evaluate loads on pipe systems caused by waterhammer. Since AFT Impulse 4.0 was released our users have had the ability to calculate waterhammer-induced unbalanced forces for use in any pipe stress analysis application. In addition, our users can create specially formatted transfer files for direct use in CAESAR II and TRIFLEX. However, the process of calculating such forces in AFT Impulse and then applying them in pipe stress software is not as straightforward as it sounds. Our customers have asked for assistance in this process. I have teamed with AFT's distributor in Canada...
Many of you probably saw in the news that today, Monday, February 20th, is the 50th anniversary of John Glenn’s flight into space. The flight was aboard a Mercury-Atlas rocket dubbed Friendship 7. This historic event was a significant step on the way to the Apollo missions to the moon.