Cavitation - the formation and rapid collapse of cavities or bubbles of vapor or gas within a liquid resulting from mechanical or hydrodynamic forces. [1]
During Cavitation bubbles form - and then collapse. The resulting shock is sufficient to cause damage. Imploding bubbles can damage a passive film and accelerate corrosion, but they are also able to damage the metal itself. Cavitation is likely the result of both mechanical damage and corrosion.
