Interaction of a spark-generated bubble with a two-layered composite beam

This paper deals with interaction between a spark-generated bubble and a two-layered composite beam (constrained at its two ends) which consists of an aluminum sheet coated by an elastic layer. Both numerical and experimental approaches are employed to investigate the dynamics of bubble collapse near the two-layered composite beam. A good agreement between the numerical simulation and experimental observation is achieved, which reveals that the bubble collapse time is greatly influenced by the nearby two-layered composite beam. The numerical model is then extended to examine the dynamic response of the two-layered composite beam induced by the bubble growth and collapse; and also to explore the correlation between the energy density of the two-layered composite beam and its coating layer stiffness. The results from this study may provide some insights on the protection of submerged marine structures exposed to bubble collapse arising from an underwater explosion.