How Just One Simple Design Error Sank an American Nuclear Attack Submarine

And gave birth to the Sub Safe program, something I know well...

Attended a engineering FOUO lecture at USCGA in the early '80's by the Navy Captain who was part of Thresher's investigation. Impressive engineer, but I cannot remember his name. Water hammer was determined to be the cause of the initial piping failure. The principle was well known, but its practical affect was never fully appreciated. Discovery of this problem forced extensive redesign and replacement of all affected piping systems on all ships, civilian and military.

Water hammer is when flowing fluids are stopped at just the right speed with just the right pipe dia/length/material to cause an amplified energy wave. Solution to this problem is proper placement of accumulators, speed controlled valves, stronger pipe connections, and shorter unrestrictive pipe lengths.

PO1 Tony Holland Sad Story, I've Heard About It.