What concepts and content should students learn from this activity?
+Students learn the impacts of hydraulic transients on the integrity of water distribution systems. They gain an understanding of numerical modeling and its implementation in MATLAB, including performing sensitivity analyses to evaluate how friction factor, pipe diameter, and flow rates influence transient flow behavior.

How is MATLAB utilized in this activity and how does this improve student learning?
+Students use MATLAB to implement finite difference methods for solving the governing hyperbolic partial differential equations of hydraulic transients. This allows them to see how governing equations are discretized and solved computationally, recognize the power of numerical modeling, and interpret and predict physical phenomena in civil infrastructure systems.

Are there higher-order thinking skills (e.g., critical thinking, computation, data analysis, synthesis of ideas, model development) that are developed by this activity?
+Yes. Students develop computational and modeling skills, apply critical thinking in analyzing transient flow behavior, and strengthen their ability to connect numerical results with underlying physical processes in water distribution systems.

Are there other skills (writing, oral presentation, field techniques, equipment operation, etc.) that are developed by the activity?
+NA

Educational context: Senior/graduate students, ~20 students, Manhattan University (primarily undergraduate with MS program).

Format and duration: 1.5-hour lecture plus 1.5-hour computer lab. Students run MATLAB for sensitivity analysis and interpretation, then apply Python-based packages to real-world cases.

Technical skills: No prior MATLAB experience required; all codes provided. Focus is on interpreting physical implications of hydraulic transients.

Prerequisites: Students should have background in fluid mechanics, water resources engineering, and familiarity with water distribution systems.

Course integration/adaptability: Designed as an open-book chapter activity; relatively easy to adapt for senior-level civil engineering courses.

MATLAB preparation: No prior experience needed; instructor guides step-by-step.

In this activity, students first review the governing equations of hydraulic transients and then use MATLAB to implement finite difference methods to simulate pressure and flow variations in a pipe system. Provided scripts allow students to run simulations, perform sensitivity analyses (e.g., pipe diameter, friction factor, flow rate), and interpret results. The activity also extends to Python-based tools (TSNet) for real-world water distribution network applications. While other software (e.g., Python) can be used, MATLAB is chosen for its accessibility, ease of numerical implementation, and ability to clearly demonstrate the mechanics of finite difference modeling. All codes and lecture notes provided are instructor-developed and can be freely shared (i.e., open access).
Hydraulic Transients Lecture Note (Acrobat (PDF) 3.3MB Sep16 25)

Provide students with pre-written MATLAB codes and walk through them step-by-step to reduce barriers for those without prior experience. Emphasize interpretation of results rather than coding details. Reinforce connections between numerical output and physical meaning of hydraulic transients. Common areas of confusion include understanding boundary conditions and stability criteria; address these with simple examples before moving to full simulations. No safety concerns apply. Using both MATLAB and Python helps students see the transferability of modeling concepts across platforms.

Students are assessed through a homework assignment requiring MATLAB-based sensitivity analysis and comparison with their engineering judgment. Additional evaluation includes short write-ups interpreting results and in-class discussions to reinforce conceptual understanding.

https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/57957