Dishing and rupturing of shell plating below the waterline are caused by which kind of damage?

The dishing and rupturing of shell plating below the waterline are primarily caused by underwater shock. This type of damage typically results from the shock waves generated by underwater explosions, such as those from naval mines or torpedoes. When an explosion occurs underwater, it creates a significant pressure wave that travels through the water and can impact the hull of a vessel. The intense pressure from the shock wave can cause deformation of the shell plating, leading to dishing, where the material is pushed inward, and rupturing, where the material physically tears or breaks.

Other forms of damage, such as those from blasts above the waterline, water waves, or radiation exposure, do not specifically cause the same kind of structural failure in the shell plating. Water waves may affect the vessel's stability and performance in rough seas, while radiation exposure primarily pertains to biological and material degradation rather than physical damage to the hull. Understanding the specific causes of hull damage is crucial for naval operations and vessel preservation.