How cavitation creates noise, erosion, and detection risk

Cavitation begins where rotating blades create localized low pressure and induce vapor formation, followed by bubble growth and implosion. The process is not ordinary boiling, but its repeated pressure events produce noise and can erode metal severely. Propeller cavitation can extend the distance at which a ship is detected, while turbine cavitation can cause destructive corrosion. A damaged Francis turbine from a hydroelectric plant provides the non-ship example. Blade pitch and geometry affect efficiency, stealth, and durability, making cavitation control an operational concern as well as an engineering problem.