Date of Award

2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics

Department

Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering

First Advisor

Arun Shukla

Abstract

This research investigates the interaction between Underwater Explosion (UNDEX) gas bubbles and adjacent curved water-backed structures. Two specimens of differing stiffness were studied. These consist of an aluminum cylinder with a wall thickness of 19 mm, and an aluminum curved plate with a thickness of 0.8 mm. Varying hydrostatic pressures were utilized to simulate different water depths. Standoff distances were chosen for two different scenarios based upon a dimensionless standoff parameter, γ. This parameter consists of the ratio of standoff distance to the theoretical maximum bubble radius in a free-field environment for a given depth of water. High-speed videos were taken to track the UNDEX gas bubble during the expansion/collapse, migration, and interaction with the structure. Three-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) analysis was also used to investigate the deformation of the compliant specimens. The results of the study show that the interaction between the structure and the UNDEX bubble is affected by the stiffness of the structure, the standoff distance between the charge and structure, and the fluid hydrostatic pressure. Understanding the effects of these highly dynamic loading conditions may help reduce undesirable damage on adjacent underwater structures.

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