This paper describes the experimental pressure and temperature results obtained when rotating a shaft in an eccentric lucite casing at velocities raging from 209 to 628 rad/s (2000 to 6000 rpm). The results are presented in terms of three-dimensional plots and contour maps. Photographic evidence is presented to illustrate how the downstream and upstream regions of the cavity develop and evolve into the well-known finger patterns. A comparison between pressure and temperature profiles in air-saturated oil and carbon dioxide-saturated oil is presented; the origin and nature of the gases contained in the cavity are discussed. Three analytical models (Swift-Stieber, separation, Floberg) predicting the formation of the cavitation zone are presented and evaluated in light of the experimental results. A motion-picture supplement depicting these results is available upon request.Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASME/ASLE Lubrication Conference in Washington, D.C., October 5–7, 1982