Comparative analysis on propagation characteristics of shock wave induced by underwater and air explosions

Abstract

There exists significant contrast in wave propagation phenomena in water and air medium due to their different physical properties and interface effects. The fully coupled numerical simulation models for free-field explosions in water and air were established. The propagation characteristics of shock wave induced by explosions in water and air were simulated and compared. At the same time, taking the interaction between shock wave and rarefaction wave reflected by the free surface into consideration, the influence of the free surface on shock wave propagation characteristics was investigated. The results show that the propagation peak pressures and impulses of shock wave induced by underwater explosion are significantly higher than those induced by air blast. An underwater explosion may cause significant damage to the structure. The free surface has significant effects on the shock wave propagation characteristics. The cut-off effect and bulk cavitation phenomenon may result from underwater explosion near a free surface, and the enhancement effect may result from air explosion near a free surface.