scaled-down underwater explosion model on a centrifuge apparatus

In this paper, we investigated a novel method by carrying out a sclaed down underwater explosion experiment on a centrifuge apparatus and set up the similarity theory between the scaled down and actual underwater explosion experiment. Using numerical simulation, we also investigated the shock-wave load, the bubble load and bubble dynamic behaviors between original models, the novel scaled down experimental method and the conventional method. The results from our study indicate that the conventional scaled down model experiment is unable to accurately predict the bubble dynamics and the vertical near-field loading induced by the bubble collapse. When the deviation of the far-field bubble pulse is limited within 10%, the distance between the explosion source and the measuring point has to be larger than 9.5 times that of the maximum radius of the bubble. However, the novel experimental method can make a precise prediction for the original model. The experiment of a mini-charge underwater explosion almost reproduces the whole physical process of a mass-charge underwater explosion with the completely similar stages of the shock wave and the bubble. In addition, the depth of the water can also be scaled down, thereby overcoming the disadvantages of the conventional method. The present study aims at providing a novel way to perform underwater explosion model experiments.