Understanding Cavitation: Mitigation Strategies And Impact On Propeller Performance
Cavitation, a phenomenon involving the formation of vapor bubbles within a liquid due to pressure reduction, arises when rotating propeller blades generate low-pressure zones, leading to cavitation inception. These bubbles collapse violently upon reaching a higher-pressure region, causing noise, vibration, and erosion on the propeller blades. Cavitation’s severity is influenced by factors like fluid flow velocity, blade shape, and temperature. The cavitation number, a non-dimensional parameter, quantifies the susceptibility to cavitation. Mitigating strategies include optimizing blade design, adjusting operating conditions, and applying anti-cavitation coatings to minimize the damaging effects of cavitation.