Water Hammer (Pipeline Phenomena)

Basics

• A sort of "hammer" caused by flowing water being suddenly stopped
• Mainly a problem in Pipeline Transport
• Examples are waves splashing up above a wall during a storm like a hurricane, and the sound of quickly shutting off a faucet (even with a quiet knob)
• A small amount is acceptable and in some cases actually useful ( Ram Pumps RELY upon this principle )
• Larger Amounts can burst pipes, seals, and valves
• This can be mitigated with Hydropneumatic Devices , and/or by simply closing valves slowly, or having slower moving fluid

See Also

• Hydropneumatic Device
• Pressure Release Valve
• Steam Hammer (Pipeline Phenomena)

Useful Links

• The Wikipedia Page on Water Hammer
• A Video by the Youtbe Channel "Practical Engineering" on water hammer, with a scale model