THE RESPONSE OF SHIPS TO UNDERWATER EXPLOSIONS

Abstract : Various phases of an underwater explosion are described. Nomograms are given for characteristics parameters of the shock wave and the bubble pulsation. Possible effects of the water surface and the sea bottom are discussed. Characteristic ship-response phases are reviewed and explained. They are demonstrated by actual examples of hull response and hull damage. The shipboard shock environment to which any installation aboard a ship is subjected is presented, and typical cases of shock damage are shown. The significance of the study of ship response to underwater explosions is reviewed. Generalization of the few controlled explosion tests against ships becomes possible by application to loading and response theories. The foundation is thus laid for increasing the combat reliability of ships and their endurance under attack.