Objectives  In order to demonstrate the serious vibration and noise rules of a ship's rudder surface, the pulsation pressure of the rudder cavitation is studied and analyzed.

  Methods  Using Star-CCM fluid calculation software to simulate the test results under working conditions of rudder angle at 5 and 10 degrees respectively, and at a certain speed, rudder cavitation forecasting and hull pressure fluctuation regularity analysis are carried out.

  Results  It is found that the pulsation of the rudder cavitation has a direct impact on hull pressure fluctuation; with a rudder angle of 5 or 10 degrees, the amplitude of the hull pressure fluctuation caused by the rudder cavitation is greater than when there is no cavitation in the rudder's surface. The more severe the rudder cavitation, the greater the amplitude of the hull pressure fluctuation.

  Conclusions  The results demonstrate that the rudder cavitation has a direct impact on the vibration and noise of a ship.