Dumbbell-Shaped Damage Effect of Closed Cylindrical Shell Subjected to Far-Field Side-On Underwater Explosion Shock Wave

In naval warfare, underwater explosion (UNDEX) shock waves significantly influence the stability and safety of the pressure hull structure of the equipment. This study investigated the unique dynamic buckling of a closed cylindrical shell subjected to a far-field side-on UNDEX shock wave using a three-dimensional numerical simulation based on acoustic–structural arithmetic. In particular, the flow-field response characteristics, plastic deformation, and yield characteristics of the cylindrical shell were determined under the influence of the UNDEX shock wave. Subsequently, the failure mode of the cylindrical shell was analyzed to propose the dumbbell-shaped damage effect. The results revealed that when the UNDEX shock wave encounters a finite cylindrical shell, the fluid exhibits a perturbation such as pressure division, stress wave deflection, and flow in the surroundings of the circular cylinder. However, the fluid cannot produce a sizeable instantaneous displacement that yields certain strong constraints at both ends of the cylindrical shell. These constraints generate an irregular distribution of the flow field pressure, and the cylindrical shell tends to exhibit an “arch” deformation along the direction of shock wave propagation. Owing to the flow surrounding the circular cylinder, a negative pressure zone is generated in the flow field at both ends of the cylindrical shell, which induces a “sucking disc” shape at both ends of the cylindrical shell and ultimately produces a dumbbell-shaped damage effect. The present findings will aid in the structural design and impact resistance of submarines, unmanned undersea vehicles, and additional equipment under the impact load of the UNDEX.