On energy focusing with multiple sources in an inviscid field

A concept has been proposed for focusing underwater energy. An array of independently detonated spherical TNT charges has been suggested to achieve this aim. The goal of the present research effort is to model this system and identify optimal array geometry and detonation timing. A reduced-order model must be developed due to the highly iterative nature of most optimization algorithms. The fast computational speed required by the optimization problem renders the use of the sophisticated numerical solvers impractical. An analytical, physics-based model must be developed to satisfy the computational time and accuracy demands of the multiple charge problem. This model must capture shock propagation speed, pressure–time histories throughout the fluid domain, and shock wave interaction phenomena. Such a model is presented herein.