The correct spelling of "air chamber" is /eərˈʧeɪmbər/. The word consists of two syllables: "air" and "chamber". The first syllable is pronounced with an "air" sound, as in "fair" or "hair", and the second syllable has a "ch" sound, like in "chair". The "e" in "chamber" is pronounced with a long "a" sound, as in "hay" or "pay". Combined, these sounds make up the phonetic transcription of "air chamber". It refers to a container or compartment filled with air, often used in engineering designs such as pipes or cylinders.
An air chamber is a mechanical device or space designed to regulate or absorb pressure changes within a system that involves the flow of fluids, particularly gases or liquids. It is typically constructed as a sealed chamber with air or gas trapped inside, serving as a cushion to dampen abrupt pressure fluctuations that could potentially damage pipelines, plumbing systems, or other hydraulic equipment.
The primary function of an air chamber is to prevent water hammer, a phenomenon that occurs when sudden changes in flow or pressure cause pipes to vibrate or produce loud banging noises. By introducing an air-filled chamber, the device absorbs the excess energy and reduces the hydraulic shock caused by the sudden stopping or starting of fluid flow. This helps to alleviate stress on the system, prevent damage to pipes and fittings, and promote the smooth and efficient operation of the overall hydraulic system.
Air chambers are commonly found in plumbing systems, specifically in water supply lines connected to fixtures such as toilets, sinks, or washing machines. They are often incorporated near valves, faucets, or other appliances where abrupt changes in water flow occur. The size and volume of an air chamber are designed to match the specific needs of the system, providing adequate pressure relief and maintaining stable fluid flow.
Vacuum-chamber.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "air" has its origins in the Old English word "ǣr", which means "air". This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*airiz", meaning "early morning, morning, east". In the Proto-Indo-European language, the word is believed to have been "*ayos", which meant "vital force, life, sense of existence".
The term "chamber" comes from the Old French word "chambre", which ultimately traces back to the Late Latin word "camera", meaning "room", "vaulted room", or "arched roof". This Latin word comes from the Greek "kamara", with the same meaning.
Putting these words together, "air chamber" refers to a compartment or enclosed space filled with air.