GAS EXPLOSIVE DEVICE FOR PROVOKING UNDERSEA SEISMIC WAVES

摘要

Apparatus for generating underwater seismic signals includes an enclosed outer cylinder adapted for support in a submerged state, one or a pair of pistons being movable therein and exposed to an expansible combustion chamber. Piston rods extend from the respective pistons through the cylinder ends, free-standing annular plates being mounted at the external ends of the piston rods in axial alignment therewith. Means are provided for introducing an explosive gas mixture within the combustion chamber and means are provided within such chamber for electrically igniting the mixture to drive the piston or pistons so as to propel the plate or plates through the water away from the cylinder. Further means are provided within the cylinder between each of the pistons in the respective cylinder end for damping the plate movement, the free-standing plates being substantially surrounded by water in spaced-apart relation to the cylinder ends, the rate of travel of the piston or pistons being sufficient to induce substantial cavitation adjacent the trailing surface of each plate.