Abstract
The effects of fluid cavitation and cavitation bubble collapse on a guiding surface have been investigated using two water tunnels, a magnetostrictive-transducer apparatus, a piezoelectric transducer apparatus, and a rotating-disk apparatus. Studies of the mechanism of damage to a surface and its relationship to change in fluid pressure and stream velocity were made. These studies and examination of numerous ships in service showed that although fluid cavitation may occur adjacent to underwater appendages of vessels at normal operating speeds, the areas in which cavity collapse is the primary cause of damage are restricted to propellers. Damage to ships’ struts, rudders, and other appendages is shown to be primarily corrosive in nature, aggravated by mechanical scouring action.
