Research on the Influence of Different Constraint Methods on the Natural Frequency of Pipelines Subjected to Unsteady Flow and Their Constraint Effectiveness

The acceleration and deceleration of high-speed gas flow within a pipeline, induced by the action of flow-restriction devices, frequently result in the emergence of unsteady flow phenomena. Consequently, the generated excitation forces provoke intense vibrations in the pipeline, thereby substantially elevating the operational risks of the pipeline system. To mitigate such risks, the pipeline is typically subjected to fixed constraints to reduce vibration. A pipeline designed to simulate unsteady airflow was developed for the purpose of validating the vibration attenuation effect. Within this context, the effects of binding and friction constraints were compared through fluid–structure interaction simulation, and their respective mechanisms of action were analyzed individually. The results demonstrate that the constraints, in conjunction with the original pipeline, will result in a higher first-order natural frequency, which constitutes one of the primary methods for mitigating resonance effects. Both friction constraints and binding constraints significantly elevate the first-order natural frequency of the pipeline system, with binding constraints demonstrating higher efficiency. This phenomenon is attributable to the arch-like bending deformation observed in such experimental pipelines during first-order resonance, as binding constraints effectively maximize the restriction on pipeline strain. Through a comparative analysis of the time-domain and frequency-domain results of outlet pipe 1 before and after constraint application, it was observed that the axial RMS value of the constrained pipe decreased by 21.8%, while the radial value diminished by 33%. This finding further substantiates that imposing binding constraints at the location of maximum strain can elevate the pipe’s natural frequency by reducing both strain and the effective length of the “beam”, thereby significantly alleviating pipe vibrations induced by unsteady flow.