Shock testing of naval vessels using seismic airgun arrays

Abstract

Modern warships are designed to withstand the effects of a near miss underwater explosive event. To demonstrate that ship structure and equipment are designed and built to the requisite standard it is common for the entire warship to be shock tested by detonating controlled explosive charges in close proximity to the vessel. By using a partially phased and partially synchronous array of seismic airguns of the type used in oil exploration it is possible to simulate the explosive shock wave and provide a safe, repeatable and more environmentally benign test. The method can be used to provide shock excitation directly onto the keel of a vessel due to the relatively low energy of the airgun discharge bubbles in addition to the more conventional off-beam scenarios. This novel method of shock testing can be applied to ships, submarines, underwater equipment and test models or specimens.

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