Which of the following components can be affected by cavitation erosion?

Cavitation erosion primarily affects the wet liner, which is an integral part of the engine's cooling system. This phenomenon occurs when vapor bubbles form in a liquid—such as coolant—due to low pressure and subsequently collapse in regions of high pressure. The implosion of these bubbles can generate shock waves that impact the surfaces nearby, leading to material removal and degradation over time.

In the context of a wet liner, cavitation erosion can result in pitting and thinning of the liner material, compromising its integrity and potentially leading to coolant leakage into the combustion chamber or oil sump. This degradation can occur particularly in areas where turbulent flow and high shear stress conditions exist, which are commonplace in an operating engine.

While other components like fuel injectors, oil filters, and oil pumps play vital roles in engine function, they are less susceptible to damage from cavitation erosion. Fuel injectors are designed to withstand high pressures without experiencing cavitation, oil filters deal with particulates rather than fluid dynamics that lead to cavitation, and oil pumps are typically not exposed to the same pressure fluctuations and conditions that promote the formation of cavitation bubbles. Thus, understanding the specific vulnerability of the wet liner to cavitation erosion helps in maintenance and repair strategies for engine longevity.