Cavitation Bubble Collapse: Lethal Mechanics of a Pistol Shrimp

Cavitation is the formation of vapour bubbles in a liquid when the fluid is subject to rapid pressure changes. The rapid collapse of cavitation bubbles causes shockwaves and damages surfaces commonly understood as resistant to impact. The pistol shrimp utilizes this physics phenomena to stun or kill its prey.

Imaging

Phil Jantzen, Pharsighted

Camera	E9•80S
Frame Rate	500,000 fps
Exposure Time	1.66 µs
Lighting	Continuous LED