What is cavitation in the context of pumps?

Cavitation in the context of pumps refers to the formation of vapor cavities within a liquid. This phenomenon occurs when the pressure in a liquid drops below its vapor pressure, causing the liquid to form bubbles of vapor. These vapor bubbles can collapse violently as they move to areas of higher pressure, leading to shock waves that can cause significant damage to the pump's components. This damage can manifest as pitting or erosion on impellers and casings, ultimately leading to decreased efficiency and potential pump failure. Understanding cavitation is crucial for maintaining pump performance and longevity, making it an important concept in the study of hydraulic systems.