water hammer(noun)

the banging sound of steam in pipes

water hammer(Noun)

A surge of pressure in a pipe carrying a fluid; especially the banging sound in a steam or hot water pipe caused by bubbles of air, or by an abrupt alteration of the flow.

Water hammer

a vessel partly filled with water, exhausted of air, and hermetically sealed. When reversed or shaken, the water being unimpeded by air, strikes the sides in solid mass with a sound like that of a hammer

Water hammer

a concussion, or blow, made by water in striking, as against the sides of a pipe or vessel containing it

Water hammer

Water hammer is a pressure surge or wave caused when a fluid in motion is forced to stop or change direction suddenly. Water hammer commonly occurs when a valve closes suddenly at an end of a pipeline system, and a pressure wave propagates in the pipe. It's also called hydraulic shock. This pressure wave can cause major problems, from noise and vibration to pipe collapse. It is possible to reduce the effects of the water hammer pulses with accumulators and other features. Rough calculations can be made either using the Joukowsky equation, or more accurate ones using the method of characteristics.