In this study, the numerical simulation of the NACA66(modified) hydrofoil is carried out by using the cavitation flow solution method considering compressibility. The cavities shedding behaviors and pressure fluctuation characteristics are discussed. The simulation results reproduce the cavities shedding process, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. The results show that cavities are affected by the re-entrant jet and shock wave successively. The large-scale cavities shedding caused by re-entrant jet provides the premise for the generation of shock waves. The phenomenon of detached cavities collapses induces the formation of shock waves. The pressure distribution of the monitoring points shows that the shock wave propagates upstream from the trailing edge of the hydrofoil, which is the main reason for the rapid shedding and collapse of the residual cavities. The shock wave propagation speed shows that there is an acceleration in shock wave propagation process. The increase of driving pressure caused by the residual cavity collapses is the main reason for accelerated propagation of shock wave. •The shock wave phenomenon is captured effectively by the compressible method.•The large-scale shedding of the cavity caused by the re-entrant jet leads to the generation of shock waves.•The collapse of residual cavity is the main reason for the acceleration of shock wave propagation.