Impact responses of hyperelastic spheres on water and rigid surfaces.

This paper aims to assess the impact responses of hyperelastic materials that have the potential to be effective in reducing loads and drag during water impact. Using experimental and numerical methods, the mechanisms of energy conversion and stress distribution induced by the deformation behaviors of hyperelastic spheres impacting rigid and water surfaces are investigated. By comparing the impact events of rigid spheres, the elastic waves propagating inside the hyperelastic spheres over a single deformation cycle are analyzed to evaluate the impact resistance. The results show that the energy loss into the fluid is responsible for more kinetic energy loss in hyperelastic sphere during water impact. The drag reduction effect of hyperelastic spheres during water entry depends on the deformation behavior. Additionally, an analysis is conducted on the strain energy density of hyperelastic spheres during water entry. The initial change in kinetic energy is studied as a function of the dimensionless ratio of material shear modulus to impact hydrodynamic pressure. • Energy dynamics in hyperelastic spheres impacting rigid and water surfaces are elucidated. • The drag reduction in water of hyperelastic spheres is contingent on a specific range of material properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]