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Introduction to Kevin Gamble

Background and Career Path

• Kevin Gamble is introduced as a former Navy EOD officer with a diverse career, starting as an enlisted nuclear machinist mate.

• He graduated from the University of Utah and later obtained a master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.

• Gamble has experience working on various naval vessels, including a tour on a minesweeper and serving under notable leaders in the Navy.

Experience at Sandia Labs

• After retiring in 2019, he joined Sandia Labs, where he manages four explosive test ranges focused on developing energetic tools for the Department of Defense and first responders.

• His team conducts large field tests with explosives, utilizing advanced diagnostics to collect extensive data during experiments.

Modeling Underwater Explosions

Hydrodynamic Models

• Gamble discusses adapting hydrodynamic models for underwater scenarios, emphasizing their importance in understanding blast impacts.

• The models solve conservation equations related to mass, momentum, and energy to predict underwater blast effects accurately.

Types of Models Used

• Two primary modeling approaches are highlighted: hydrodynamics (fixed mesh with material flow) and Lagrangian codes (mesh deforms with material).

• CTH software is mentioned as effective for shock physics calculations involving high deformation mechanics.

Challenges in Modeling

Equation of State Considerations

• Accurate modeling requires multiple equations of state due to complexities like cavitation during underwater blasts.

• Gamble emphasizes that all models have limitations until verified through testing; continuous improvement is essential based on experimental results.

Computational Resources

• Different modeling tasks require varying computational resources; simple models can run quickly while complex 3D simulations may take days or weeks.

Applications and Future Directions

Potential Use Cases

• Questions arise about calculating explosive force needed for neutralizing buried mines; Gamble indicates this capability exists but hasn't been fully explored yet.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Discussion includes potential collaborations with other organizations for underwater testing using Sandia's facilities equipped with filtration systems to minimize environmental impact.

Conclusion and Audience Engagement

Broad Mission Set at Sandia

• Gamble describes Sandia's broad mission set aligned primarily with the National Nuclear Security Administration but also supporting various national security challenges across different departments.

Q&A Session Insights

• The audience engages with questions regarding specific modeling capabilities related to underwater explosions, indicating interest in further collaboration or research opportunities.