Characterization of the Pressure Wave Emitted From Implosion of Submerged Cylindrical Shell Structures

Buckling of submerged cylindrical shells is a sudden and rapid implosion which emits a high pressure pulse that may be damaging to nearby structures. The characteristics of this pressure pulse are dictated by various parameters defining the shell structure such as the length to diameter ratio, shell thickness, material, and the existence and configuration of internal stiffeners. This study examines, through the use of high fidelity coupled fluid-structure finite element computations, the impact of various structural parameters on the resulting pressure wave emanating from the implosion. The results demonstrate that certain structural configurations produce pressure waves with higher peak pressure and impulse thereby enhancing the potential for damage to nearby structures.