Feasibility and design of blast mitigation systems for naval applications using water mist fire suppression systems

Abstract

The recent trend of using fine water mist systems to replace the legacy HALON- 1301 fire suppression systems warrants further study into other applications of the water mist systems. Preliminary research and investigation indicates that fine mists (20-25 pm droplet size) may reduce peak overpressures of a shock wave traveling through a space. Such pressure reductions could be used to mitigate the destructive effects of a shock wave (initiated by an explosive device) traveling through a structure. Currently these blast mitigation effects have only been demonstrated in small-scale shock tube tests and computer simulations. Uncertainty exists as to the scalability of such a system. The intention of this research is to investigate the applicability of such a blast mitigation system for shipboard use. Study into the degree of mitigation necessary to make a system practical for shipboard installation was conducted. In addition, a theoretical study of the mechanisms of blast mitigation using water mists was completed. Preliminary design of a full-scale system was examined.

(cont.) Given the recent trend toward tumblehome hull forms in future Naval Combatant designs, there exists strong applicability of this system in the "dead" spaces created by the shaping of the tumblehome hull. Further work is needed in numerical modeling and laboratory testing of specific phases of the mitigation. The end goal is a feasible design of a blast mitigation system to be used in the outermost spaces of Naval Combatants to protect interior vital system spaces.