Cavitation effects on a ship-like box structure subjected to an underwater explosion

Abstract

Shock trials are required for the lead ship of each new construction shock hardened ship class. Live fire shock trials are both complex and expensive. Finite element modeling and simulation provides a viable cost effective alternative to live fire shock trials. This thesis investigates the effect of bulk and local cavitation on a three-dimensional ship-like box model. The fluid surrounding the structure is modeled to capture the effect of cavitation. Viable results validate the modeling and simulation method used and provide the basis for further investigation into the use of fluid modeling in underwater explosion simulation.