Researchers led by engineers at the University of Waterloo have answered key questions to help prevent damage and improve the safety of hydraulic systems used for pipelines, water turbines and other applications.
The work investigates a phenomenon known as cavitation, or the formation and collapse of destructive gas-filled bubbles resulting from rapid pressure changes in liquids.
Cavitation is behind a well-known party trick that involves shattering the bottom of a liquid-filled bottle by striking its open top with the palm of your hand.
“The growth and collapse of cavitation bubbles are fascinating,” said Zhao Pan, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering who led the research. “They are usually small and fast, but they can cause serious damage even on surfaces such as hard alloys and glass.”
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