Abstract:
"Investigation of Close Proximity Underwater Explosion Effects on a Ship-Like Structure Using the Multi-Material Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian Finite Element Method"
This thesis investigates the characteristics of a close proximity underwater explosion and its effect on a ship-like structure. Finite element model tests are conducted to verify and validate the propagation of a pressure wave generated by an underwater explosion through a fluid medium, and the transmission of the pressure wave in the fluid to a structure using the Multi-Material Arbitrary Lagrangian/Eulerian method. A one-dimensional case modeling the detonation of a spherical TNT charge underwater is investigated, along with three-dimensional cases modeling the detonation of an underwater spherical TNT charge, and US Navy Blast Test cases modeling a shape charge with a circular steel plate and a Sandwich Plate System (SPS). This thesis provides evidence that existing tools and methodologies have some capability for predicting early-time/close proximity underwater explosion effects, but are insufficient for analyses beyond the arrival of the initial shock wave. It shows that a true infinite boundary condition, a modified Gruneisen equation of state near the charge, and the ability to capture shock without a very small element size are needed to sufficiently predict early-time/close proximity underwater explosion effects beyond the arrival of the initial shock wave.
