Cavitation

Cavitation occurs when the pressure in a liquid drops below its vapor pressure, causing small bubbles or cavities to form. These bubbles are regions where the liquid turns into vapor temporarily. When the pressure increases again, the bubbles collapse violently, producing shock waves. This process can cause damage to machinery like pumps and propellers over time. Cavitation typically happens in situations involving rapid changes in pressure or flow, such as in high-speed boats or turbines, and is influenced by factors like fluid speed, temperature, and design of the equipment.