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Hatrack
How fast would something need to travel for this to occur?
Hatrack said:But doesn't cavitation in water cause a near-vacuum? Why couldn't this be caused in air?
Yes, cavitation can occur in any fluid, including air. However, the conditions required for cavitation to occur in air are different from those in liquids.
Cavitation in air is caused by the sudden change in pressure that creates low-pressure regions, or voids, in the air. These voids then collapse, creating shock waves and intense heat.
Yes, cavitation in air can cause damage to objects or surfaces that are exposed to it. The shock waves and heat produced by the collapsing voids can erode or melt materials, leading to potential damage.
Cavitation in air can be seen in various natural phenomena, such as thunderstorms, waterfalls, and volcanic eruptions. In engineering, it can occur in high-speed propellers, pumps, and turbines.
To prevent cavitation in air, it is important to control the pressure changes and ensure that the air remains at a relatively constant pressure. This can be achieved through proper design and operation of equipment, as well as using materials that can withstand the extreme conditions caused by cavitation in air.