Experimental Investigation on the Deformation and Vibration Characteristics of Elastic/Hyperelastic Plates Under Water Jet Impact

The deformation and vibration characteristics of elastic/hyperelastic rubber plates subjected to water jet impact are investigated experimentally. A set of stereo high-speed cameras is used to capture the deformation of the plates and the recorded images are analyzed via a Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. Synchronized measurements of the impact force normal to the undeformed plates are conducted using force sensors. The rubber plates vary in elastic properties and different levels of in-plane tension are applied. The static and dynamic responses of these plates subjected to given loading functions are calibrated. Additionally, various speeds of the water jet are used. Literature suggests that the elastic properties of the plates significantly influence the characteristics of the impact load from the water jet, differing from the classic water hammer effect with rigid walls. In the present study, the relationship between the plate's effective bending stiffness, the impact force, the plate's vibration and the jet characteristics is explored. One of the goals of this research is to provide insights for manipulating the jet impact process through the control of the structural response.