journal article·2026-05-14Open access

Study on the Mass Loss Characteristics of Underwater Explosion Bubble Pulsation

Tan Lu, Yuan Gao, Libo Ding, He Zhang

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 10

Abstract

The underwater explosion bubble is one of the primary loads generated by underwater explosive detonations, and the presence of complex detonation products results in its unique physical evolution characteristics. Based on classical bubble dynamics theory, this paper introduces the JWL equation of state for explosives and the instantaneous detonation assumption to determine the initial boundary conditions of the explosion bubble, establishing a second-order analytical model. Addressing the mass loss during bubble pulsation, the physical mechanisms of convective mass transfer in the boundary layer and the inertial scattering of insoluble elements are analyzed. Accordingly, a modified dynamic model incorporating mass loss is established. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed model are verified through comparison with experimental data from underwater explosions. The results indicate that the inertial scattering of insoluble elements is the dominant mechanism governing bubble mass loss, while the macroscopic effects of the mass loss of detonation products primarily manifest during the secondary pressure pulsation and subsequent evolution stages. This study provides reliable theoretical predictions within the primary pulsation cycles of explosion bubble pulsation characteristics, providing theoretical support for further elucidating the underlying mechanisms of underwater explosion bubble dynamics.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Ultrasound and Cavitation Phenomena · Structural Response to Dynamic Loads · Combustion and Detonation Processes

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China

Shanghai Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Research Institute, Shanghai 201109, China

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