Which mechanism initiates damage when a ship's propeller experiences prolonged cavitation at high speeds?

💡 Explanation

When cavitation implosions occur near the propeller surface, rapid surface fatigue from micro-jets is generated because collapsing bubbles create intense, localized pressure resulting in fatigue crack initiation. Therefore rapid fatigue occurs, as opposed to corrosion, deformation, or abrasion, which follow separate pathways.

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