Shock wave measurements in cloud cavitation

One of the most destructive (and noisy) forms of cavitation is that referred to as “cloud cavitation” because it involves a large collection of bubbles which behave as a coherent whole. The present paper presents the results of an experimental study of the processes of collapse of a cavitation bubble cloud, specifically that generated by an oscillating hydrofoil in a water tunnel. Measurements of the far-field noise show that this is comprised of substantial pulses radiated from the cloud at the moment of collapse. Also, transducers within the cavitation zone encounter very large pressure pulses (or shock waves) with amplitudes of the order of tens of atmospheres and typical durations of the order of tenths of a millisecond. These shock waves appear to be responsible for the enhanced noise and damage potential which results from that phenomenon.