Model Basin and Towing Tank Testing

Measurement of added resistance, accelerations and wetness at different headings; seasickness incidence and crew performance, stability and seaworthiness in extreme conditions.

Active control device testing

Pitch and roll control systems can be tested to evaluate effectiveness and optimise for both passenger comfort and resistance reduction.

Global warming has necessitated the development of renewable energy devices. The Wolfson Unit has a proud history of improving wind, tidal and wave energy devices. Model testing offers the ability to:

• Optimise the device performance.
• Measure the power output.
• Determine the efficiency.
• Measure forces in 6 axes.

Flow Visualisation and (PIV)

We can offer a range of flow measurement techniques in our facilities to deliver improvements in appendage design, bilge keel alignment, flow into propellers and through tunnels to minimise resistance, noise and vibration, and increase propeller efficiency.

Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is an optical technique which utilises images of tracer particles suspended in the flow to measure the velocity over a whole plane (or volume). It can be used in the wind tunnel or towing tank to assess the flow over models. This research-level technique is useful to answer specific questions about the flow features such as wake fields, vortex generation and location, and separated flow. We also use this technique to validate our computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.

The Wolfson Unit creates bespoke models for use in experiments. We have many years of experience building and testing models to obtain full scale results. We work in house and with expert model builders to provide high accuracy results.

For example we have created benchtop models to model the flow through smoke detectors, sloshing (and subsequent damping designs) in onboard swimming pools and particle dispersion from onboard exhaust outlets and their influence on passenger comfort.

Experimental vs CFD

The Wolfson unit are experts in both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and physical modelling, and where appropriate can combine the two to utilise their individual strengths to provide the maximum benefit to the design process. The choice of which method to use depends strongly on the nature of the problem.

Generally experimental methods are excellent at obtaining large sets of highly accurate data, whereas CFD provides a greater understanding of the flow behaviour behind the results and can be useful for comparing the relative merits of geometry variations without the need for constructing multiple models.

Unsure which method best suits your project?