To study the propagation characteristics of shock waves generated by underwater pulsed discharge, a method based on finite element analysis is proposed. The energy deposited curve during discharge was obtained. Finite element models of the discharge channel and surrounding water were established. The discharge channel was simplified as ideal gas. Combined with the energy deposited curve, the expansion process of the discharge channel in water was simulated. Waveforms of shock waves at different times and positions were obtained. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. Mesh division and the initial relative volume of the discharge channel would affect the rise time and fall time of the shock wave. Shock waves generated by underwater pulsed discharge and underwater explosion were compared. They have similar attenuation characteristics, but the shock wave in underwater explosion have a larger peak value and slower attenuation in the near field.

finite element analysis,shock wave,underwater pulsed discharge