Refraction of Underwater Explosion Shock Waves: Sargasso Sea Measurements

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in the Sargasso Sea to measure the effect of refraction on underwater explosion shock waves. Sound velocity profiles were measured during the experiment. Eight-lb and 900-lb charges were detonated at precisely controlled depths. The explosion pulses at the close-in (thermocline- related) caustic and at the first convergence zone were measured by a vertical array of gages and recorded. The measured shock wave peak pressures, impulses, and energies are compared with what might be expected under isovelocity conditions. Some of the shock wave pulses and frequency spectra are presented. A considerable enhancement of pressures and energies was observed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 17, 1972
Accession Number
AD0749008

Entities

People

  • Robert Thrun

Organizations

  • Naval Ordnance Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Convergence Zones (Sonar)
  • Explosions
  • Frequency
  • Measurement
  • Munitions
  • Oceans
  • Ordnance Laboratories
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Range Finding
  • Recording Systems
  • Refraction
  • Sargasso Sea
  • Spectra
  • Tape Recording
  • Thermoclines
  • Underwater Explosions
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Combustion Dynamics and Shock Wave Physics.
  • Explosive Engineering.