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What is the difference between a continuous pattern vs. a stepwise pattern?
Stepwise—The multiplier values are considered to be the average value for the interval between the specified time and the next time. Patterns using this format will have a staircase appearance. Multipliers are set at the specified time and held constant until the next point in the pattern.
Continuous—The multipliers are considered to be the instantaneous values at a particular time. Patterns using this format will have a curvilinear appearance. Multipliers are set at the specified time, and are linearly increased or decreased to the next point in the pattern.
With a continuous pattern the calculated demand at a particular timestep is equal to the average of the calculated demand for that timestep and the next one. For example, assume the base demand on a given junction is 500gpm, the hydraulic time timestep in the calculation options is set to 1 hour, the pattern multiplier for timestep 8 is 1.0 and for time step 9 is 1.945, and the Start Time field would be 8 am (assuming the simulation was started at 12 am). The total calculated demand at the junction shown for timestep 8 will be (500 * 1) + (500 * 1.945) / 2 = 736.25.
For the continuous pattern, if you want to achieve a demand that is very close to the one specified in the pattern you can try a smaller Hydraulic Time Step.
EPS Snapshot calculations for demands with patterns