The Rayleigh–Plesset equation is a fundamental equation in the field of fluid dynamics, particularly in the study of cavitation—a phenomenon where vapor bubbles form and collapse in a liquid. The equation describes the dynamics of a spherical gas bubble in an incompressible liquid, accounting for the effects of pressure, surface tension, and viscous forces.
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The Rayleigh-Plesset equation balances the radial inertia of an incompressible liquid around a spherical bubble against internal and ambient pressure, surface tension and viscous stress. Removing the last two effects and setting the bubble pressure to zero gives the following vacuum-collapse case.