Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair

John Loth.

Abstract

This thesis describes a source/sink flow acoustic wave sensor for the identification of leaks in gas pipelines. One of the many type of signals associated with the high velocity gas flowing out of a hole in the pipeline is the ramp or step pressure drop.;A large 3-inch diameter diaphragm was installed in an attempt to detect the low frequency waves associated with a leak. This diaphragm with source or sink flow through a 17mm internal diameter pipe acts as a pressure signal amplifier.;The deflection of the diaphragm due to the amplified force can be measured with a strain gage whose voltage is proportional to this deflection. A microphone should be used to record high frequency sound generated by the fluid inside the transmission line. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

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