Experimental Research on the Responses of Neoprene Coated Cylinder Subjected to Underwater Explosions

The dynamic responses of a neoprene coated cylinder subjected to underwater explosion were experimentally investigated. Two metallic cylinders of the same geometry were simultaneously fire tested in an artificial lake. One of the cylinders was coated with a layer of neoprene and the other had none. The strain and acceleration recorded at some typical locations on the cylinders and inner structures were qualitatively compared. It was shown that the shock environment associated with the inner structure can be improved to some extent after the rubber layer is coated, but the strain at the outer hull, especially in the hoop direction, is notably amplified. It verifies the fact that soft coating can cause concentration of stresses, mainly on the shell that is directly in contact with the coating layer.