Traditional engineering education presentations use static pictures/illustrations to visualize/demonstrate various concepts, some of which can be quite involved. In many instances, the sequence of static pictures is interspersed with explanations to deepen understanding of the physical concepts. Since animation software and animation development are becoming less expensive and more common, animations that will reduce lecture time devoted to a topic and enhance student understanding are becoming more affordable. Animations permit salient features of phenomena to be combined in a readily visible fashion for understanding. This paper will explore the effectiveness of an animation example taken from an energy systems design course and examine in detail the water hammer animation since it is a good example that illustrates many facets of water hammer. All of the salient features of water hammer can be shown on a static illustration/diagram, but the animation in more effective in demonstrating the scope of the water hammer phenomena. Cognitive issues for enhancing animation effectiveness are examined. Student survey results and instructor anecdotal experiences comparing the effectiveness of the animations as compared to traditional static coverage are discussed. Student survey results confirm that the water hammer animation was successful in enhancing understanding.