Science Fix | What is Cavitation?

Cavitation is the formation of vapour bubbles within a liquid at low-pressure regions that occur in places where the fluid has been accelerated to high velocities. This remarkable phenomenon is of particular interest in ship and submarine hydrodynamics as it causes a range of problems for propulsion and control equipment including unpredictable water flows, thrust breakdown, unsteady loads, vibration, noise, and metal erosion. Understanding this violent and chaotic process is vital in reducing the noise generated by rotating propellers, and important for avoiding vessel detection, or reducing environmental noise pollution. Cavitation can significantly reduce operability and ultimate life of equipment due to its destructive nature.

Clip from the “Big Bigger Biggest” documentary series exploring the engineering breakthroughs that have enabled us to develop some of the largest structures in existence.

Watch the complete documentary here –    • Submarines – Extreme Technology – Big...  

Subscribe to Element 18 – https://bit.ly/337R2uO