On which side of the propeller is cavitation most likely to occur?

On which side of the propeller is cavitation most likely to occur?

• A. The leading edge of the blades
• B. The trailing edge of the blades
• C. The suction side of the outer radii and areas near the leading edge
• D. The root of the blades

Answer: (C)

Cavitation is most likely to occur on the suction side of the outer radii and areas near the leading edge of the propeller blades. This phenomenon happens because, as the propeller rotates, the pressure on the suction side of the blades decreases significantly to create lift. If this pressure drops below the vapor pressure of the fluid, vapor bubbles can form, leading to cavitation. The leading edge is critical because it is where the water flow begins to change from being unaffected to being manipulated by the blade shape. On the suction side, especially at the outer radii, the velocity of the water flow is increased due to the shape of the blade, contributing to lower pressure areas where cavitation is more likely to initiate. Understanding the dynamics of cavitation is essential for preventing damage to the propeller and ensuring efficient operation, which is why the suction side is predominantly focused on in various marine engineering contexts.

Cavitation is most likely to occur on the suction side of the outer radii and areas near the leading edge of the propeller blades. This phenomenon happens because, as the propeller rotates, the pressure on the suction side of the blades decreases significantly to create lift. If this pressure drops below the vapor pressure of the fluid, vapor bubbles can form, leading to cavitation.

The leading edge is critical because it is where the water flow begins to change from being unaffected to being manipulated by the blade shape. On the suction side, especially at the outer radii, the velocity of the water flow is increased due to the shape of the blade, contributing to lower pressure areas where cavitation is more likely to initiate.

Understanding the dynamics of cavitation is essential for preventing damage to the propeller and ensuring efficient operation, which is why the suction side is predominantly focused on in various marine engineering contexts.