What happens when air bubbles form at the tips of the prop blades?

When air bubbles form at the tips of the propeller blades, cavitation occurs. This phenomenon happens when the pressure on the propeller blades drops below the vapor pressure of the water, causing vapor bubbles to form. As the propeller spins, these vapor bubbles can collapse rapidly as they move into higher-pressure areas, resulting in shock waves that can create noise and contribute to erosion on the blade surfaces.

Cavitation is detrimental to propeller performance, as it disrupts the smooth flow of water around the blades, leading to a reduction in thrust efficiency and loss of propulsion. The presence of cavitation can also induce vibration and damage the propeller over time. Understanding cavitation is crucial for operators to ensure that their vessels are functioning optimally and to make adjustments to prevent this issue.