A Rational Bubble Screen Design Approach for Mitigation of Underwater Explosion Near Waterborne Infrastructure

Underwater explosions pose a significant threat to waterborne infrastructure. The potential for damage to nearby infrastructure is dependent on parameters such as the peak incident pressure, energy flux density, radial standoff distance, and dynamic material strength and structural response. Bubble screens have been shown to be an effective means to attenuate specific shock wave characteristics such as the peak incident pressure and energy flux density to safe levels. This paper presents a comprehensive, rational design approach for protecting waterborne infrastructure using bubble screens. The paper presents an improved methodology to predict peak incident pressure and energy flux density produced by shock waves, which includes depth effects. In addition, the damage potential to various structural materials is established based on the equivalent dynamic loads and dynamic material strength. The results are compiled to form a step-by-step procedure for the design and implementation of a bubble screen system.