What does the term "thermal shock" refer to in equipment operation?

The term "thermal shock" refers to the stress that equipment experiences due to rapid temperature changes. This phenomenon occurs when a material or component is subjected to sudden shifts in temperature, which can cause expansion or contraction at different rates. Such rapid changes can lead to the formation of cracks or other structural failures in materials, particularly in metals and ceramics, which may not be able to accommodate the sudden differences in thermal stress.

Understanding thermal shock is crucial in equipment operation because it can have severe implications for the integrity and longevity of mechanical parts, such as pipes, boilers, and heat exchangers. Engineers must design systems considering thermal shock to prevent unexpected failures and maintain safe and efficient operation.