Geysering effect in liquid propellant rocket engine?

Answer 1

The geyser effect is observed in vertical pipelines with an overhead reservoir when circulation of the cryogenic product ceases. Under the action of a thermal influx, a low fluid boil, which proceeds in an avalanche like process, develops at first in the pipeline; this leads to a fluid discharge into the overhead propellant tank. A hydraulic hammer of significant magnitude, which may cause the system to rupture and lead to an emergency situation, develops as the pipeline is subsequently filled with fluid from the overhead propellant tank under gravity. The periodic nature of the geyser eruptions depends on the magnitude and distribution of the thermal influx over the length of the pipeline; therefore, the cyclic repetition of impact loading is also a risk.