Influence of water depth on the underwater shaped charge jet formation characteristics and penetration effects

Underwater shaped charge jets are widely utilized due to their excellent penetration capabilities. However, investigating the formation and penetration mechanisms of shaped charge jets at different water depths remains a challenge due to experimental limitations. To study the influence of water depth on the formation and penetration characteristics of shaped charge jets, pressurized jet experiments simulating water depths from 0 to 400 m were conducted, and numerical simulations were performed to analyze the jet formation and penetration process at depths ranging from 400 to 6000 m. The results indicate that, for a given shaped charge configuration, the depth range of 0–600 m falls within the domain governed by the virtual mass principle. Between 600 and 1000 m, the region represents a transition zone. From 1000 to 6000 m, the jet enters a prestress-dominated zone, where hydrostatic pressure induces yield stress and plastic strain in the liner, thereby affecting the jet formation characteristics. Furthermore, variations in material properties increase the energy of shock waves acting on the liner, further influencing the jet formation process. This study provides guidance for the parameter design of underwater shaped charges.