Experimental study of underwater explosions below a free surface: bubble dynamics and pressure wave emission

Abstract

The current work experimentally studies the complex interaction between underwater explosion (UNDEX) bubbles and a free surface. We aim to reveal the dependence of the associated physics on the key factor, namely, the dimensionless detonation depth $\gamma$ (scaled by the maximum equivalent bubble radius). Four typical bubble behavior patterns are identified with the respective range of $\gamma$: (i) bubble bursting at the free surface, (ii) bubble jetting downward, (iii) neutral collapse of the bubble, and (iv) quasi-free-field motion. By comparison of the jet direction and the migration of the bubble centroid, a critical value of $\gamma$ is vital for ignoring the effects of the free surface on UNDEX bubbles. Good agreements are obtained between the experimental data and the unified theory for bubble dynamics by Zhang et al. Additionally, the dependence of the pressure signals in the flow field on $\gamma$ is investigated. The peak pressure, impulse, and energy dissipation in the UNDEX are investigated.