Drop Testing as a Surrogate to UNDEX: Investigating Damage to the Marine Mammal Melon from Impulsive Loading
Abstract
Given the importance of the marine mammal melon and surrounding structures in echolocation, melon damage (e.g., from nearby underwater explosions (UNDEX)) may compromise an animals ability to navigate, communicate, hunt, and ultimately survive. For ethical and legal reasons, there is a dearth of UNDEX test data for marine mammals and an inability to gather such data in the future. As part of a basic research effort to investigate if there is the potential to damage the marine mammal melon via UNDEX, a series of drop-weight impact tests was performed on melon samples as a substitute shock-like event. This test series captures data on the energy imparted to and deformation experienced by marine mammal melon samples during an impact event that imparts impulse levels similar to those from previous UNDEX tests on marine mammal cadavers where observed post-test melon damage (or lack thereof) was recorded (Ketten 2004; Rye 2019). The research described in this technical memo focuses on understanding the potential damage mechanisms for the marine mammal melon as relevant to impulsive UNDEX loading.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1167938
Entities
People
- Daniel J. Jr Perez
- Emily L. Guzas
- Eric A. Warner
- Lauren E. Marshall
- Monica L. Deangelis
- Rachel E. Hesse
- Thomas N. Fetherston
Organizations
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center