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Modeling of liner cavitation corrosion is of increasing significance since new engine design trends could aggravate the problem. Cavitation corrosion is of a complex nature and is affected by numerous coupled factors. A system approach to analyze and assess cavitation corrosion damage is deemed necessary. The approach accounts for the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the phenomenon that include modeling of piston dynamics, liner transient vibration, pressure wave propagation, bubble dynamics and their effect on material damage. Though detection methods can provide crucial insight of factors that influence the cavitation problem, analysis methods are required at the initial design stage to provide overall engine design optimization and reduce prototype development cost and time. This analytical diagnostic approach provides a powerful tool to give valuable and relatively quick insight in solving engine liner cavitation corrosion problems.

The teaching of design courses for engineering students can be an excellent opportunity for cooperation between industry and higher education. Chronic problems faced in academe (course staffing, project selection) and in industry (design skills of new employees) can be in large part solved by such cooperation. Students can benefit from more meaningful course content and from contact with industrial settings and procedures. This kind of cooperation can work exceptionally well in programs where the students have already had co-operative work experience. The advantages and pitfalls of this kind of cooperation are illustrated by a critical review of a recent industrial sponsorship of a design course for engineering mechanics seniors.