The Future of Intelligent Water Infrastructure Series Part 2: "What Happens Under the Hood When I Hit ‘Compute’?"

In this episode of Water Experts Unfiltered, moderated by Cecilia Correia, Senior Water Solutions Manager for Bentley Systems, we explore the intricacies of hydraulic modeling with well-known water industry expert Tom Walski. Tom explains what truly happens the moment you press “Compute” on your hydraulic model, unraveling the mysteries behind the equations that power our understanding of water flow and distribution systems. 

Tom sheds light on the critical equations essential for hydraulic modeling, tracing their origins back to pioneering research, including difficult tasks like gluing sand grains inside pipes to test head loss. This unique perspective provides a foundation for appreciating the reliability and accuracy of models today.

A focal point of the discussion revolves around the Darcy-Weisbach equation, a cornerstone of hydraulic modeling, and the challenges associated with determining the friction factor. Tom highlights the complexity of real-world water systems and the ongoing need for expert judgement and nuanced understanding. 

Looking toward the future, Tom and Cecilia discuss the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in hydraulic modeling. 

Tune in to this podcast and explore the balance between history and innovation in the quest for more efficient and accurate hydraulic models.   

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