HAPN : a hydraulic analysis of piping networks program

In the past, design engineers were grateful just to have a computer program that could correctly execute an algorithm. Now not only do they require programs that increase their analytical capability, they seek programs that enhance productivity and certitude as well. As a first step toward meeting these needs in the area of hydraulic analysis of piping systems, program HAPN has been developed. An unusual technical feature of the program is that the hydraulic resistance of tees (which is a complicated function of flow) can be analyzed. The program is written in a modern and portable language (C) and targeted for popular and user-friendly hardware environments (PCs). Structured data and programming techniques were used to produce a program that is easily enhanced. Input and output has been streamlined as much as practicable, both from the user's and the programmer's perspective. A generic metalanguage processor, called MEL, was designed to handle input and output. (MEL can be used by other analysis programs once the proper "dictionary" has been defined.) HAPN has an extensive database of reference data (such as pipe sizes and hydraulic resistance data) and can automatically handle units conversions.