Water Hammer Studies on Long Pipe Lines

Abstract

phenomena of water hammer and the practical significance to the operators of water works are not very widely understood. This condition prevails in spite of the many contributions to engineering literature that have been made by members of the engineering profession on that subject. Theories and formulas developed for computing the effects of sudden changes of velocity in fluid conducting pipe lines are not easily applied to field operations because of lack of understanding of the characteristics of the valves ordinarily controlling flow. Because of the interest in water works engineering and the development of practical hydraulics taken by H. A. Van Norman and W. W. Hurlbut, respectively Chief and Assistant Chief Engineer of the Bureau of Water Works & Supply of Los Angeles, E. C. Brisbane of the S. Morgan Smith Company and the writer were permitted to conduct tests of water hammer on some of the longest pipe lines in Los Angeles. This opportunity was taken to make tests with the following objects in view: 1. To check water-hammer effects in large pipe lines against the results of studies made on smaller lines. 2. To determine the effects of rate of change of velocity on surge