Laser-generated shocks and bubbles as laboratory-scale models of underwater explosions

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Jones, Theodore G. | Grun, Jacob | Bibee, L. Dale | Manka, Charles | Landsberg, Alexandra | Tam, Daniel

Affiliations: Naval Research Laboratory Plasma Physics Division Washington, DC 20375, USA | Naval Research Laboratory Naval Oceanographic Office Stennis Space Center, MS 39522, USA | Research Support Instruments, Inc. 4325-B Forbes Blvd. Lanham, MD 20706, USA | Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division Indian Head, MD 20640, USA

Abstract: Underwater shocks and bubbles were generated using a high energy pulsed laser system. The advantages of this experimental approach are: (1) precisely controlled and measured experimental conditions; (2) improved diagnostics, including extensive imaging capabilities; (3) unique experiments, including a simultaneously detonated line charge; and (4) the ability to provide validation quality data for hydrodynamic simulation codes. Bubble sensitivity to variation of several experimental parameters was examined. Numerical simulations were performed corresponding to the experimental shots, showing that empirical bubble theory, experimental bubble data, and simulations were all in good agreement.

Journal: Shock and Vibration, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 147-157, 2003