What happens to a flexible hose when pressure is applied?

When pressure is applied to a flexible hose, it typically expands in diameter due to the internal force exerted by the fluid or gas inside it. This phenomenon occurs because the material of the hose is designed to withstand certain pressure levels, thus allowing it to deform by widening as the volume of the contained substance pushes against the walls. Simultaneously, the hose will not significantly change in length; the material is generally stable enough that it maintains its nominal length while experiencing radial expansion.

Understanding these properties is essential for ensuring that hoses are not over-pressurized. Over-pressurization beyond a hose's design specifications can lead to the hose not only elongating and expanding but also failing, which can result in bursting. However, in the context of normal operational conditions within the manufacturer's guidelines, the hose will generally respond by increasing in diameter without appreciably changing its length.