Investigation of the mechanics of cavitation and cavitation damage

Abstract

This final report covers a period of approximately four years, since this contract was initiated in March 1952. Furthermore, even at that time, some of the phases of the work had already been started. In discussing the progress of these different phases, no attempt will be made to separate these initial phases from the continuation under this contract. The most important results obtained during the life of this contract have already been published in a series of technical articles.(1, 2, 3) Therefore, in such cases only summaries will be incorporated herein. In cases in which the phases have not reached the publication stage, a more complete outline will be found, Four phases of this investigation of cavitation will be reported, as follows: I. Effect of Pressurization on Cavitation Properties of Water II. Mechanics of Fixed Cavitation III. Hydromechanics of Cavitation Damage IV. Preliminary field tests of Intensity of Cavitation Phase I has not been reported in the literature; II, III, and IV have been presented in the references cited.