Study on the Parameters Influencing the Accuracy and Reproducibility of Dynamic Pressure Measurements at the Surface of a Rigid Body During Water Impact

Water wave slamming is known as one of the most important load which marine constructions encounter. Especially the large and spiky local pressures moving fast over the body surface during a slamming event can be harmful for the structure. Analytical and numerical research on these pressure loads has already been performed, but however, quantitative experimental information necessary for validation of these studies is restricted. This lack in experimental data may originate from the fact that accurate pressure measurements are difficult to perform. This paper investigates the reason why this type of measurements is so difficult by identifying the parameters affecting the pressure recordings during water impact. According to the authors’ knowledge, no other paper is available in the open literature which investigates all these influencing factors. It has been observed that the pressure signal sampling rate, sensor position, water temperature, object surface conditions and water surface conditions all have an effect on the measured pressures. Only by controlling these parameters, accurate and reproducible results are possible. Precautions in order to meet this goal are formulated.