What can cause pressure to drop below atmospheric levels in plumbing systems during cavitation?

Cavitation in plumbing systems occurs when there are rapid changes in pressure that cause local pressure to fall below the vapor pressure of the liquid, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles. The centrifugal force generated by the flow of liquid around bend radii in a piping system can indeed create conditions that lead to this pressure drop.

As the liquid flows around a bend, it experiences an increase in velocity, which, according to Bernoulli's principle, results in a decrease in pressure. If the pressure drops significantly, it can reach the point where it falls below the vapor pressure, leading to cavitation. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in systems with tight bends or sharp angles, where the flow is forced to change direction sharply, amplifying the effects of the centrifugal force.

Understanding the impact of centrifugal force on pressure changes is crucial for plumbing design, particularly in avoiding cavitation, which can lead to damage in pipes and equipment, as well as inefficiencies in the system. Therefore, recognizing the role of centrifugal forces and their effect on pressure within plumbing systems provides an important insight into maintaining system integrity and performance.