Experimental study of coefficients during vertical water entry of axisymmetric rigid shapes at constant speeds

This paper presents an original experimental approach of three-dimensional water impact at constant speed. The hydrodynamic force acting on axisymmetric rigid bodies striking a horizontal liquid surface at constant vertical speed is investigated using a hydraulic shock machine. The different aspects of the experimental device allowing to carry out impacts at high-speeds with small deviation of the velocity are initially detailed. Then, results of observations on several axisymmetric shapes are presented and discussed.Good agreements between theoretical model, numerical results and available experimental measurements have been obtained.

► This paper presents an original experimental approach of three-dimensional water impact at constant speed.
► The hydrodynamic force acting on axisymmetric rigid bodies striking a horizontal liquid surface at constant vertical speed is investigated using a hydraulic shock machine.
► The different aspects of the experimental device allowing to carry out impacts at high-speeds with small deviation of the velocity are initially detailed.
► Then, results of observations on several axisymmetric shapes are presented and discussed.
► Good agreements between theoretical model, numerical results and available experimental measurements have been obtained.