Vertical Wedge Drop Experiments as a Model for Slamming

A deeper comprehension of hydrodynamic slamming can be achieved by revisiting the wedge water entry problem using flexible structures. In this work, two wedge models that are identical, with the exception of different bottom thicknesses, are ver-tically dropped into calm water. Pressure, full-field out-of-plane deflection, strain, vertical acceleration, and vertical position are measured. Full-field deflections and strains are measured using stereoscopic-digital image correlation (S-DIC) and strain gauges. A nondimensional number, R, quantifying the relative stiffness of the struc-ture with respect to the fluid load is revisited. An experimental parametric study on the effect of R on the nondimensional hydrodynamic pressure and the maximum strain is presented. It was found there is a sharp change in the trend of pressure and strain when R passes through a critical value. It was also discovered that the structural deformation causes a delay in the peak pressure arrival time and a reduc-tion in the peak pressure magnitude during the wedge water entry.

Automated summary

A deeper understanding of hydrodynamic slamming can be achieved through the investigation of the wedge water entry problem using flexible structures. Experimental studies have shown that there is a significant change in the trend of pressure and strain when the relative stiffness parameter R passes through a critical value. The deformation of the structure also leads to a delay in the arrival time of peak pressure and a reduction in the magnitude of peak pressure during wedge water entry.