Piping Response to Steam-Generated Water Hammer

Abstract

Theoretical estimates are presented for the impulse generated by the collapse of a steam bubble trapped by a column of subcooled liquid in a pipe. Predictions are compared with experimental results obtained in a laboratory scale test system. The excitation of pipe responses by the transmission of the water hammer impulse through pipe bends is discussed and predictions are presented for two simple piping configurations. Experimentally measured pipe deflections excited by a steam-generated water hammer are compared with the predictions.

Boiling and Condensation in Two-Phase System Transients with Water Hammer

“…In the previous research, whether experimental or numerical, the goal was mostly to record the highest peak pressure value due to safety reasons. An experimental and analytical investigation was performed to estimate the impulse generated during the large steam bubble collapse in a vertical pipe between the lower stagnant hot water column and the upper downward accelerating column of cold water [17]. The liquid column was observed as a rigid body, and a simple mechanical model was derived for the prediction of the water column velocity and impulse at the moment of impact and the resulting pressure peak.…”