Study of collision characteristics of water-filled double-layer structure

Water-filled double-layer structures are typical hull structures. However, the effect of the carried water has often been neglected in previous collision studies. The carried water couples with the hull structure and participates in the energy absorption process, which reduces the collision damage done to the hull structure. This paper focuses on the effects of compressible carried water on the collision characteristics of a hull structure. Therefore, collision experiments with a simplified double-layer structure (water tank) were performed, and the corresponding collision process was simulated with the finite-element method. The two kinds of pressure (a shock wave and pressure disturbance) generated in the carried water when the water tank collides with a striker were investigated. By comparing the dynamic characteristics of empty and completely filled water tanks, it can be observed that the pressure of the carried water can reduce the displacement of the outer plate and change its deformation shape. Furthermore, the effects of pressure on the collision force and displacement of the inner plate were investigated. Finally, the collision characteristics of a typical water-filled side structure are presented as an example.