Water Hammer Pressure Surge (Joukowsky)

Wave celerity from pipe-fluid coupling, pressure surge dP = rho × a × dV, and rapid-closure flag against 2L/a.

Run the calculator

Formula and source

Joukowsky surge: a = sqrt(K/rho) / sqrt(1 + (K × D)/(E × t)); dP = rho × a × dV. Reflection time = 2L/a; rapid closure when t_close < 2L/a.

Joukowsky (1898) classical-fluids result by name; ASCE Manual of Practice 49 by name; manufacturer pipe-elastic-property values from data/plumbing/pipe-elastic-properties.json.

Audience

This tile is built for plumbers and the adjacent professions in the Plumbing and Gas group. The interactive calculator runs entirely in your browser. No account, no fee, no advertising, no tracking.

Related tools

Posture

Rough Logic answers the math question the working professional asks on the job. The site is a calm, fast, ad-free, account-free, ever-free reference. It does not interpret code. It does not replace the licensed professional. It does not store your inputs. The Authority Having Jurisdiction governs all installations and inspections.