Water Hammer Calculator
Calculate pressure surge from sudden valve closure using the Joukowsky equation: ΔP = ρ × c × ΔV. Includes effective wave speed with pipe elasticity.
Wave Speed
--
m/s
Pressure Surge
--
bar
Max Pressure
--
bar
Critical Time
--
seconds
How this was calculated
Wave speed: c = sqrt(K_f / ρ / (1 + K_f × D / (E_p × t))). Accounts for pipe elasticity.
Joukowsky equation: ΔP = ρ × c × ΔV. Pressure rise from instantaneous valve closure.
Critical time: t_c = 2L/c. If valve closes faster than this, full water hammer occurs.
Need help with pipeline transient analysis, surge protection, or pipeline design?
Book a free strategy call →Water Hammer in Pipelines
Water hammer (hydraulic shock) occurs when fluid in motion is suddenly stopped by a closing valve, pump trip, or check valve slam. The kinetic energy converts to a pressure wave that can exceed pipe ratings and cause catastrophic failure.
Mitigation strategies include slow-closing valves, surge tanks, pressure relief valves, and air chambers. The critical closure time (2L/c) determines whether the event is a full or attenuated hammer.
All calculations run in your browser. Built by Groundwork Analytics.