Theoretical analysis of hydrostatic implodable volumes with solid inner structures

The basic analytical theory for hydrostatically caused implosions of spherical volumes, which has been known for nearly a century, has been extended for the treatment of annular volumes with solid inner structures. Theoretical analyses are developed that treat the inner structure as infinitely hard, elastically deformable, plastically deformable or shattering under the influence of the pressure from the surrounding implosion event. Parametric studies are made of the effect that the inner structure's geometric and material properties have on the pressure field of the surrounding water. It is concluded that the pressure waves produced by the imploding volume are significantly affected by the existence of an inner structure and the inner structure's physical properties. This is an important consideration in assessing the effect of an underwater implosion event on nearby structures.