Response of Dome-enclosed Box-type Structure to Underwater Explosion

Abstract

In the development of underwater sensor systems, the sensor arrays are configured for different shapes like cylindrical, rectangular and spherical depending on the requirement. The rectangular shaped box–type structure discussed here has both top and bottom ends open. Flanges stiffen the top and bottom ends, and gussets are used to connect the flanges with the structure. In this paper, the box-type structure is subjected to non-contact underwater explosion in a shock tank to study the peak free field pressure on the structure. To simulate the actual conditions, the structure is placed in free flooded area and covered with a dome. The free-field peak pressure on the dome and structure are plotted with time. The measured pressure curves are in agreement with the empirical predictions reported in literature. It is concluded that around 85 per cent of the shock impulse acting on the dome is transmitted to the box-type structure. The dome and box-type structure withstood the explosive load, thereby validating their design.Defence Science Journal, 2013, 63(4), pp.381-385, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.213

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