Cavitation inception triggered by transient ambient pressures in electrolyte solutions

Shock-induced cavitation in saline-rich seawater---where chloride, sodium, sulfate, and magnesium ions comprise over 90%---involves two key processes: bulk vapor nucleation and gas nanobubble expansion. This study employs all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to provide a nanoscopic perspective on cavitation inception under transient pressure fluctuations. It examines how ionic specificity and concentration affect these processes by discussing hydrogen bond density, interfacial molecular orientation, charge distribution, and surface tension. The findings demonstrate that ionic strength and radius govern water--water interactions, thereby influencing cavitation characteristics.