Energy output of shaped charge in underwater explosion

The energy output structure of the shaped charge has a significant impact on its destructive capability. Therefore, investigating the energy output structure of shaped charges in the context of underwater explosions (UNDEX) is of great importance. First, this research conducts an experimental and numerical study of the UNDEX energy output structure of hexogen blasting and shaped charges. The scaling effect of shaped charges on UNDEX was analyzed. A comparative UNDEX experiment involving blasting and shaped charges was conducted to determine their energy output characteristics. Next, a numerical model corresponding to the experiment was developed using the Euler method. On this basis, the energy ratios of three destructive elements, namely, shock waves, projectiles, and bubbles, were analyzed. Furthermore, the scale effect on the energy output structure of the shaped charge under UNDEX conditions was analyzed. Finally, the results show that the energy contributions of shock waves and bubbles generated by explosive charges account for 45.1% and 54.9% of the total energy of the charge, respectively. However, the energy contributions of the shock wave, projectile kinetic energy, and bubble from the shaped charge were 47.5%, 4.7%, and 47.8% of the total charge energy, respectively. The projectile kinetic energy was derived from the blast wave energy. Additionally, as the scale similarity ratio n of the shaped charge increases, the depletion of shock wave energy also increases, while its effect on projectile kinetic energy and bubble energy diminishes. When n = 12, the energy contributions of the shock wave, projectile kinetic energy, and bubble from the shaped charge were 43.6%, 4.8%, and 51.2%, respectively. This research offers a valuable reference for the design of underwater weapons. © 2024 Author(s).