Robert E Higginbotham

US Patent:

44958099, Jan 29, 1985

Filed:

Mar 29, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/480180

Inventors:

Robert R. Higginbotham - Portsmouth VA
Alexander Malakhoff - Arlington VA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

G01N 3322
G01N 3700
G01M 1000

US Classification:

73432SD

Abstract:

A deep depth underwater simulator is illustrated for determining the dual effects of nuclear type underwater explosion shockwaves and hydrostatic pressures on a test vessel while simulating, hydrostatically, that the test vessel is located at deep depths. The test vessel is positioned within a specially designed pressure vessel followed by pressurizing a fluid contained between the test and pressure vessels. The pressure vessel, with the test vessel suspended therein, is then placed in a body of water at a relatively shallow depth, and an explosive charge is detonated at a predetermined distance from the pressure vessel. The resulting shockwave is transmitted through the pressure vessel wall so that the shockwave impinging on the test vessel is representative of nuclear type explosive shockwaves transmitted to an underwater structure at great depths.