A study of explosive effects in close proximity to a submerged cylinder

Measurements of acceleration and pressure together with high-speed imaging have been used to study the interaction of an underwater explosion with a nearby steel cylinder. Variation of the initial separation between the cylinder and explosive charge generated different cases of interaction in which the response of the cylinder to the shock wave, the bubble pulse wave, water jetting and bubble collapse could be studied. Shock wave loading generated a significant response in all cases. The pressure wave from the pulsating bubble was a less significant load, generating a peak velocity about half that caused by the shock wave. However the collapse of the bubble onto the cylinder was found to be the most severe structural load, generating a peak velocity almost twice that caused by the shock wave and causing significant plastic deformation.