Low Cost Non-Explosive Shock Qualification Testing

We propose to development of a relatively low cost, flexible, and environmentally sensitive means for shock qualification testing major shipboard systems using a non-explosive energetic source to generate the dynamic time-history environment representative of UNDEX situations. The key aspects of this system are 1) elimination of the use of energetic sources with a DoD Hazard/Classification 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 materials that require handling by qualified EOD personnel plus storage under Quantity Distance (Q-D) requirements; 2) Portability to a variety of locations/environments; and 3) causes a minimizes the impact on the environment.The proposed method utilizes combustible gases (e. g., acetylene) under high pressure conditions and forced to detonate by a "hard" ignition source. In addition, geometric shields are configured to direct shock and tailor resulting cavitations and late-time bubble formation to be representative of known UNDEX consequences.Phase I will be conducted using a proven approach combining CFD modeling with table-top scale experiments to show the feasibility of the proposed system. The system to be developed here will have immediate application in various commercial industries. Qualification of ships and shipboard systems under a variety of extreme environmental conditions (storm generated waves, vessel impact, etc.) is an immediate application. Further, the system can be modified to address other offshore and dockside facilities such as petroleum rigs, floating production and refining ships, nuclear plant facilities, and sub-sea pipelines.