An Experimental Facility for Imaging of Medium Scale Underwater Explosions

Abstract

A new experimental capability for the study of underwater explosions has been developed. This is based on a unique facility that permits direct optical imaging of the detonation of medium scale (1-5 kg) explosive charges at PSL's Underwater Explosion Test Facility, Melbourne, Victoria. Imaging of UNDEX events in a field environment presents many technical challenges including protection of structures and sensitive equipment from high shock loads, attainment of optically clear water, high speed imaging in low light levels and experimental operation at significant water depths. The techniques employed to successfully overcome these challenges are described. The potential of this new capability is demonstrated by imaging and analysis of the detonation of a 0.5 kg explosive charge of Composition B.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA417894

Entities

People

  • Charles G. Killoh
  • John M. Brett
  • Michael Buckland
  • Peter Kiernan
  • Terry Turner

Organizations

  • Defence Science and Technology Group

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Australia
  • Detonations
  • Environment
  • Explosions
  • Explosive Charges
  • Explosives
  • Filtration
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Fluid Flow
  • Low Light Levels
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Measurement
  • Platforms
  • Test Facilities
  • Underwater Explosions
  • Universities

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Oncology and Biomarker-Based Cancer Detection.
  • Systems Analysis and Design