A Theoretioal Study of The Speed of Fall of Depth Charges in Water

摘要

The present report estimates from theoretical considerations the probable effectiveness of five methods of increasing the velocity of descent of depth charges. These are (1) streamlining the bombs, (2) adding extra weight, (3) increasing their stability, (4) applying self-propulsion, and (5) giving the bombs an initial velocity at the moment of striking the water. Two sizes of charge, and four shapes, are discussed.nIt is Concluded that stability is prerequisite to any improvement in falling speed, and that streamlining, internal propulsion or a" combination thereof will produce several hundred percent increase in the average falling speed to target depth. Bombs striking the water with appreciable speed will reach target depth one or two seconds sooner than those falling from rest, but this improvement is not sufficient to justify elaborate ejection equipment. Eccentric weighting of the depth charges will considerably increase their speed, largely because of improvement in stability.