Numerical calculation to elucidate effect of open elliptical reflector shape on underwater shock wave focusing phenomena

Abstract An open elliptical reflector with one of the focal points exposed to the outside can generate a focused shock wave at an arbitrary point. This study developed a relational equation from the Taylor–Sedov solution to predict the peak pressure of the focused shock wave from the reflector size and shape. The validity of the derived equation was assessed by comparison with numerical simulations modeling the open elliptical reflectors, performed using ANSYS AUTODYN 2021 R2. In the numerical calculations, the reflector’s flatness, degree of openness, and size were used as shape parameters, which were varied comprehensively. As a result of the comparison, the derived equations showed good agreement with the numerical results for all shapes and sizes. In other words, once the size and shape parameters of the open elliptical reflector are determined, the peak pressure of the focused shock wave can be uniquely predicted.