Experimental study on the dynamic response of a 3-D wedge under asymmetric impact

Abstract

Water entry problems represent complex multiphase flows involving air, water, and structure interaction, occurring rapidly in rough seas, and potentially effecting structural integrity of floating structures. This paper experimentally investigates asymmetric slamming loads acting on a 3-D elastic wedge section. The specimen, featuring two different bottom plates (stiffened and unstiffened), each 4 mm thick, aims to assess the effect of structural stiffness on dynamic loads. The experiments are conducted at different drop heights of 25 cm and 50 cm and varying heel angles from 5° to 25°. The paper describes the experimental conditions, including wedge geometry, material properties, and the test plan. The study explores the influence of heel angle on impact acceleration, revealing an increase in peak acceleration with a higher inclination angle, particularly in the vertical direction. Additionally, the hydrodynamic pressure resulting from asymmetric slamming is presented. The pressure results analyzed and compared at different locations along the length of the wedge. The experimental findings indicate that, despite the leeward side (stiffened) experiencing a smaller hydrodynamic load, the heel angle significantly affects pressure results on the windward side (unstiffened), leading to a more pronounced dynamic response. The time history of pressure results emphasizes the effect of elastic vibrations, particularly noticeable on the unstiffened bottom plate. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of asymmetric slamming on aluminum structures, facilitating the enhancement of mathematical models and the validation of numerical simulations.