Analysis of Water Barrier Line Charge Plume Measurements
Abstract
The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) is developing technology for a concept that has the potential to be very effective in defending Navy platforms against high-speed, sea-skimming antiship cruise missiles (ASCMs). This concept uses a new kill mechanism, a wall of water, to provide a low-cost, universal terminal defense system for Navy ships. This wall of water, or water barrier, is formed from the shallow detonation of multiple underwater explosive charges. This water barrier will protect the ship from the attacking sea skimmers. To support the development and evaluation of the Water Barrier Concept, underwater detonation tests were conducted in July 1995 to generate a water barrier from the single-point detonation of simulated continuous and discrete line charges. The simulated line charges were fabricated from scaled charges of Composition C-4 demolition blocks. Electrical conductivity and microwave absorption measurements were made on the barrier plume cross section to determine the density or quantity of water ejected in the air from the single-point detonation of the scaled line charges. This report presents the results from the microwave absorption and electrical conductivity measurements of the scaled barrier at cross-section heights of 11.5 and 25 ft, respectively.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA344613
Entities
People
- Charles E. Higdon
- Joseph G. Connor
- William G. Szymczak
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center