Formation and collapse of vapour bubbles on propeller blades due to local pressure dropping below water vapour pressure.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Causes vibration, noise, blade erosion, and reduced thrust. Classical signs: sudden drop in propulsion efficiency, high vibration in aft accommodation, characteristic 'singing' propeller sound. Prevented by appropriate blade design (tip clearance, Cp), avoiding excessive shaft RPM at low draft. Modern wake-improving devices (Mewis ducts, pre-swirl stators) reduce cavitation.
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