In a significant stride towards enhancing submarine survivability, researchers have delved into the intricate dynamics of submarine hulls under torpedo impacts and underwater explosions. Anand Pai, a researcher from the Department of Aeronautical and Automobile Engineering at the Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India, led a study that sheds light on the critical aspects of hull deformation and damage under these extreme conditions. The research, published in the journal ‘Applied Ocean Research’ (which translates to ‘Applied Ocean Research’ in English), offers valuable insights for maritime professionals and naval architects.
The study focused on the blunt impact of a torpedo on a submarine’s bow and the effects of the torpedo warhead’s surface detonation at varying distances from the hull. Using the MK-48 torpedo design as a reference, Pai and his team employed advanced computational software, ANSYS Explicit Dynamics®, to simulate these scenarios. The submarine hull was modeled using HY-80 steel, while the torpedo hull was made of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The simulations were conducted within an underwater enclosure to accurately capture the fluid-structure interactions.
One of the key findings of the study was the varying degrees of damage caused by different impact scenarios. “The near-field detonation of the warhead emerged as the most destructive, resulting in severe structural damage to the bow hull,” Pai explained. In contrast, the blunt impact of the torpedo induced moderate plastic deformation, while the far-field detonation resulted in minimal damage. The study also examined hull deformation, equivalent plastic and elastic strains, equivalent stress, and damage profiles for the different impact scenarios.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. Understanding the dynamics of submarine hulls under extreme conditions can lead to the development of more robust and resilient designs. This, in turn, can enhance the survivability of submarines and other maritime vessels, ensuring their safety and longevity in hostile environments. The insights gained from this study can also inform the development of better protective measures and damage control strategies, which are crucial for the maritime sector.
Moreover, the study’s focus on fluid-structure interactions and pressure variations within the Eulerian domain offers valuable data for naval architects and engineers. This information can be used to optimize hull designs and improve the overall performance of submarines and other underwater vessels. The research also highlights the importance of using advanced computational tools and material models in the analysis of hull dynamics, paving the way for more accurate and reliable simulations in the future.
In summary, Pai’s research provides a comprehensive analysis of submarine hull dynamics under torpedo impacts and underwater explosions. The findings offer valuable insights for maritime professionals and naval architects, highlighting the importance of understanding and mitigating the effects of extreme conditions on submarine hulls. As the maritime sector continues to evolve, such research will play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and efficiency of underwater vessels.