When does cavitation occur?

Cavitation occurs when a liquid's pressure drops below its vapor pressure, leading to the formation of vapor-filled bubbles within the liquid. This typically happens in high-speed fluid flows, such as in pumps, propellers, or around sharp edges. When these bubbles collapse or implode, they can generate shock waves, potentially causing damage to surrounding surfaces. This phenomenon is often undesirable in engineering applications due to its erosive effects.