Similarity Law between Centrifuge Scale Test and Prototype Underwater Explosion

Abstract

Shock wave and bubble pulsation caused by underwater explosion destroy the hydraulic structure. However, the realization of the underwater explosion prototype test is restricted by many factors, such as the site environment. Furthermore, the repeatability of the test scheme is not strong. The centrifuge scale test provides a new way of studying the damage degree of the structure under the action of underwater explosion. The similarity relationship refers to the bridge between the scaled model and the prototype, which cannot achieve complete similarity in practice. The centrifuge-scaled model test is performed by increasing the acceleration of a certain multiple. Meanwhile, the model reduces the corresponding ratio in the geometric layout to achieve the geometric similarity with the prototype test. Therefore, the applicability of the centrifuge scaling method in the study of the dynamic response of the structure in underwater explosion needs to be explored further. In this work, the underwater explosion scaling test numerical model for 1 g RDX (equivalent to 1.62 g TNT) charge under different centrifugal acceleration conditions is established, and the calculation results of underwater pressure and dynamic response of the steel plate are compared with the centrifuge test results. A prototype model is established to study the similarity relationship between the centrifuge scale test and the prototype model when the steel plate structure is in the stage of small deformation and linear elasticity. The application of the similarity ratio in the scale test of underwater explosion the centrifuge is discussed. The application of the centrifuge in the study of the failure response of the hydraulic structure in underwater explosion is expanded by establishing the model and comparing with the experimental results.