Underwater explosion (UNDEX) tests are costly and hazardous, generating pressure-time load histories that are not well quantified, response data that are difficult to acquire, and the tests may not be repeatable. Nevertheless, a validated approach to accurately predict the short duration dynamic response of a structure subjected to direct UNDEX pressure wave loading does not exist. Therefore, a more cost-effective method to validate the UNDEX response without using the "shock qualification" tests was sought. Krauthammer, et. al. (1996) suggested that precision impact testing can be used to produce peak loads, rise times, durations, and spatial distributions similar to those produced by explosions in air. For this study, the concept of equivalency between in-air explosive and impact loading was expanded to include UNDEX loading. It was postulated that the short duration dynamic response of structures subjected to UNDEX direct pressure wave loading can be reproduced by precision impact loading. Once equivalency is demonstrated, it is proposed that precision impact tests can be used to assess structural integrity of components subjected to direct pressure wave UNDEX loading. This investigation included two important aspects - precision tests and numerical simulations. These were combined to form the unique assessment methodology. Here, a generic UNDEX event is considered, and the concept could be applied to any far-field UNDEX problem. A more comprehensive coverage of this work can be found in O'Daniel (1998).
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