What is wet liner cavitation caused by?

Wet liner cavitation is primarily caused by bubble collapse, which occurs in areas of low pressure within the coolant surrounding the wet liners of an engine. When the pressure decreases, small vapor bubbles form in the coolant. As the engine operates and the pressure fluctuates, these bubbles can collapse violently, resulting in shock waves that can erode the surface of the wet liners. This process can lead to pitting and serious damage over time, impacting the integrity of the engine components.

In contrast, steam erosion refers to the wear caused by the movement of steam or hot gases, which is not the mechanism that operates during the cavitation process. Coolant temperature fluctuations can affect the overall cooling system but do not directly cause cavitation in the same manner as bubble dynamics. Mechanical abrasion involves physical contact and wear from surfaces interacting, rather than the pressure-induced phenomena seen in cavitation. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for maintaining engine longevity and performance.