Transient gas flow in relief line is computed to determine the effects of fluctuations of discharge capacity on flow field. Based on the theories of computational fluid dynamics and aerodynamics, the solution and the analysis were carried out using finite volume CFD solver FLUENT 13.0. Flow fields in seven working conditions were simulated in the numerical investigation and their results were compared. The results showed that the fluctuations of discharge capacity, including extent and period, exert obvious effects on transient gas flow field in relief line. The larger the fluctuation extent and the shorter the fluctuation period, the more significant is the effect. The application method of simulation results is provided to guide the laying and fixing of pipelines, which is verified by filed measurement. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.