Nautical Term: Cavitation
Definition of Cavitation
Cavitation is the phenomena of bubble formation on the surface of an aerodynamic section or on the blades of a propeller, in areas of reduced pressure. This phenomenon can occur on heavily loaded ship propellers, leading to increased drag and decreased efficiency.
For instance, during high-speed sailing, the bow of the sailboat creates an area of reduced pressure, leading to cavitation of the water around the bow. This phenomenon not only creates a loud noise but also increases the drag on the sailboat, reducing its overall speed.
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