What is the term for the rapid closing of a nozzle that creates a shock wave when moving water meets the closed nozzle?

What is the term for the rapid closing of a nozzle that creates a shock wave when moving water meets the closed nozzle?

• A. Water Hammer
• B. Backdraft
• C. Flashover
• D. Steam Flash

Answer: (A)

Sudden closure of a flowing liquid causes a hydraulic shock known as water hammer. When water is moving and a nozzle or valve shuts quickly, the fluid can’t stop instantly because of its inertia, so a pressure surge is created and travels through the pipe as a shock wave. This pressure rise depends on how fast the water was moving and the fluid’s properties, and it can be described by the idea that the momentum change generates a rapid increase in pressure. The result is a loud bang and potential damage to the piping system. The other terms refer to different fire or steam phenomena and don’t describe this rapid pressure surge in moving water.

Sudden closure of a flowing liquid causes a hydraulic shock known as water hammer. When water is moving and a nozzle or valve shuts quickly, the fluid can’t stop instantly because of its inertia, so a pressure surge is created and travels through the pipe as a shock wave. This pressure rise depends on how fast the water was moving and the fluid’s properties, and it can be described by the idea that the momentum change generates a rapid increase in pressure. The result is a loud bang and potential damage to the piping system. The other terms refer to different fire or steam phenomena and don’t describe this rapid pressure surge in moving water.