Cavitation Erosion from Model Scale to Full Scale

The University of Memphis, in partnership with the Memphis Detachment of Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock Division and the University of Michigan, is currently developing foundational experiments and capabilities at model-scale to better understand cavitation erosion on naval propulsors, control devices, and surfaces. Cavitation erosion reduces the performance of combat ships and other vessels by causing significant surface damage and, in turn, driving up the cost of repairs and part replacement. In fiscal year (FY) 2024, Memphis and its partners will develop new capabilities to understand and reduce cavitation erosion by scaling up experiments at the US Navy’s William B. Morgan Large Cavitation Channel (LCC) to sizes similar to a full-scale ship. This level of research is only possible at the LCC located in Memphis, Tennessee which is one of the largest and most technically advanced high-speed, variable-pressure water tunnel facilities in the world.

Impact on the Department of Defense

Thanks to previous Congressional appropriations, the University’s partnership with the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and the Memphis Detachment has reignited research development and testing at a world-class facility that includes the LCC. FY24 efforts will build upon previous model-scale research and testing, which cannot be correlated with full-scale, by utilizing significant full-scale testing at the detachment and LCC. This program will involve first-of-its-kind research in cavitation erosion that leverages the unique attributes of the LCC. This program will help the Department of Defense reduce costs, enhance vessel design, and improve naval and industry shipbuilding to address cavitation erosion.

Economic Impact and Benefit to Tennessee

This program will further develop and grow the University’s partnership with the Memphis Detachment, creating new partnerships and facility users for the city of Memphis and Shelby County. This technology also has huge potential in the DoD as well as the industrial sectors of shipping and shipbuilding by creating more efficient shipbuilding design techniques. The efforts of this program will also train students and engineers in shipbuilding design and engineering.