Teknomekanik
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): Regular Issue

Flow-rate estimation in PVC and carbon-steel pipes using flow-induced vibrations and data-driven models

Khalid Alnabhani (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Sultanate of Oman)
Musaab Zarog (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman)
Hadj Bourdoucen (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Jun 2026

Abstract

Non-intrusive flow measurement methods are increasingly required in pipeline systems to eliminate pressure losses, prevent contamination, and avoid structural modifications. Flow-induced vibration (FIV) offers a promising alternative; however, its applicability to standard industrial carbon-steel pipelines and its integration with data-driven modeling remain limited. This study experimentally investigates FIV-based flow estimation in 1-inch PVC and carbon-steel pipes conveying water under controlled conditions using regression, and machine learning models, while examining the influence of pipe material and vibration-response characteristics on flow-rate prediction performance. Vibration responses were measured using a tri-axial accelerometer and analyzed to identify flow-sensitive frequency bands. Regression and machine-learning models were developed to relate vibration characteristics to flow rate. The results demonstrate a predominantly monotonic relationship between band-averaged vibration amplitude and flow rate, with material-dependent sensitivity observed between PVC and carbon-steel pipes. Data-driven models improved prediction performance and robustness on the dynamic behavior of flow-induced vibrations, The findings demonstrate the potential of combining FIV analysis with intelligent modeling as a non-intrusive approach for flow measurement in industrial pipelines. Neural time-series modeling was used for training purpose only. Open-loop training provides a stable and efficient way for the network to learn the underlying dynamic relationship between inputs and outputs. A meaningful assessment of the model's predictive capability requires closed-loop testing, where the network relies on its own previous predictions. This was not conducted in the present study.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

teknomekanik

Publisher

Subject

Mechanical Engineering

Description

Teknomekanik is an international journal that publishes peer-reviewed research in engineering fields (miscellaneous) to the world community. Paper written collaboratively by researchers from various countries is encouraged. It aims to promote academic exchange and increase collaboration among ...