Study on a new removal technique of creatures stuck to the bottom of a ship using underwater shock waves

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25630405
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Naval and maritime engineering
• Research Institution: Kobe University
• Principal Investigator: Abe Akihisa 神戸大学, 海事科学研究科(研究院), 教授 (50221726)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 水中衝撃波 / 微小気泡 / キャビテーション / 船底付着生物

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the present study, methods of continuous producing of strong pressure waves in water are examined to develop a fundamental technology for removing marine creatures from hull. Underwater shock waves can be generated by collision of silicone film against water surface using a shock wave discharged from a high-pressure gas driven generator. The results suggest that there is a possibility of economic shock wave production, however it is hard to get strong pressures. On the other hand, underwater shock waves are obtained from self-collapse of small cavitation bubbles generated using a cavitation nozzle. It is found that this method can make up underwater shock waves easily and effectively, so there is an applicable possibility of removing marine creatures from hull.

Free Research Field

衝撃工学