THE SCALING OF UNDERWATER EXPLOSION PHENOMENA

Abstract

An attempt is made to summarize the problems and the semantics of scaling in a concise form without use of mathematical developments. The well known cube-root scaling is shown to be a consequence of Mach's similitude, the fourth-root scaling, of Froude's similitude. Requirements which must be satisfied for each of these scaling rules are discussed. Scaling of gravitational effects on underwater explosions (bubble behavior) is not possible by means of model tests conducted in a river or a pond, but requires test tanks in which the air pressure above the water can be reduced or the acceleration of gravity increased. The scaling of surface tension, vapor pressure, and viscosity are discussed. Model tests on damage to targets are not considered. A short discussion on the concept of approximate scaling is included.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1962
Accession Number
AD0271468

Entities

People

  • Hans G. Snay

Organizations

  • Naval Ordnance Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Buoyancy
  • California
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Field Tests
  • Hydrostatic Pressure
  • Maryland
  • Model Tests
  • Munitions
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Ordnance Laboratories
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Underwater Explosions
  • United States
  • Virginia

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Theoretical Analysis.