Experimental investigation of impact loads during water entry

Abstract The objective of the present investigation was to provide reliable experimental data suitable to validate numerical tools aimed at predicting impact loads on and elastic deformations of wedge-shaped structures. To investigate impact-induced hydroelastic effects on slamming pressure peaks, four test bodies were examined. Two bodies were fitted with stiffened, rigid bottom plating and two bodies with thin elastic bottom plating, each case with 5° and 10° deadrise angles. Results comprised impact-induced pressures, accelerations, forces, and structural strains. Measurement repeatability, sampling rate effects, and hydroelastic effects were emphasised. Measured pressures and forces were compared with published experimental data. Additionally, this paper documents body geometries, test rig set-ups including instrumentation, and experimental procedures.