What is the impact of propeller cavitation on vessel performance?

Propeller cavitation occurs when the pressure in the fluid around the propeller drops below the vapor pressure of the water, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles. When these bubbles collapse, they create shock waves that can cause significant damage to the propeller blades. This damage not only diminishes the structural integrity of the blades but also affects the overall hydrodynamic performance of the propeller. As a result, cavitation reduces the efficiency of the propeller and impairs its ability to generate thrust effectively. Consequently, the vessel experiences a decrease in performance, causing it to require more power to maintain speed, thereby reducing efficiency and increasing operational costs. Understanding the detrimental effect of cavitation on both propulsion efficiency and mechanical integrity is critical for managing vessel performance effectively.