Episode
Bubbles Everywhere: Cavitation and the Cooling System [E220]
- Published
- Jan 21, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1198
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Summary
Thanks to our Partner, Pico Technology Watch Full Video Episode Matt goes down a rabbit hole on the science of bubbles and comes back with something surprisingly practical: cavitation is a major source of cooling-system component damage , especially in and around water pumps. The “bad guy” isn’t the bubble forming—it’s the bubble collapsing , releasing intense localized energy, micro-jetting , and shock waves that pit and erode metal surfaces over time. The takeaway: approach cooling-system maintenance as anti-cavitation prevention , not just “keep it from overheating.” Key topics covered Why cavitation damage is often misattributed to electrolysis (and what’s actually happening) The real destruction mechanism: Bubble collapse → extreme localized heat (doesn’t “cook” the system, but signals energy density) Micro-jet stream through the collapsing bubble “donut” → pitting/erosion Shock wave effects (ties into why ultrasonic cleaning works) How bubbles form even in a pressurized cooling system Localized low-pressure zones behind an impeller blade Pressure drops along surfaces and restrictions (design or contamination-caused) Why “radiator cap” is a misleading name Better term: degassing cap It maintains system pressure (key to preventing local boiling) and “burps” gas/vapor out Coolant chemistry isn’t just freeze/boil protection The inhibitor package forms a protective barrier on internal surfaces that absorbs cavitation attack Over time that protection depletes → cavitation damage shows up Water quality matters more than most people think Minerals/impurities can create deposits → restrictions → pressure drop zones → bubbles Contamination can also become nucleation points for bubble formation Distilled/RO water or properly formulated premix is the safer play “Universal co…