Small-scale underwater explosion in shallow-water tank

The number of research studies on blast loads in the air is much larger than those under the water surface. Filling these deficiencies may increase the safety of marine structures, military divers and personnel working underwater. Studies on shallow-water tanks are especially omitted, while many large area seas can be classified in this category, for instance, the Baltic Sea. In the presented study, a military-grade blasting cap was placed in a shallow-water tank during small-scale field experiments. The pressure parameters and gas bubble formation were recorded. The pressure values were compared with high-speed images. The behavior of the blast wave due to the aquarium's bottom, surface, and vertical wall reflection was analyzed. The novel cavitation formation and its influence on pressure propagation in a limited water medium were described. Finally, a TNT equivalent based on the maximum gas sphere radius was calculated for further numerical research.

Automated summary

Research studies on blast loads under the water surface are less common compared to those in the air, and addressing this gap in knowledge can enhance the safety of marine structures, military divers, and personnel working underwater. This study conducted field experiments in a shallow-water tank to investigate the pressure parameters, gas bubble formation, and behavior of the blast wave. The influence of cavitation formation on pressure propagation in a limited water medium was also analyzed.