Inverse Analysis of Cavitation Impact Phenomena on Structures

A general methodology is presented for in situ detection of cavitation impact phenomena on structures based on inverse analysis of luminescent emissions resulting from the collapsing of bubbles onto surfaces. Following an inverse-analysis approach, luminescent emission signatures are correlated with the general structure of asymmetric bubble collapse onto a surface. This method suggests applications for detection of cavitation that can occur within different types of dynamic water environments of structures. Case study analyses using experimental data are used to demonstrate the fundamentals of various aspects of this methodology. The goal of this methodology is to establish a direct correlation of luminescent emissions with cavitation impact phenomena, and ultimately, with cavitation erosion of structures within turbulent water environments.