Although ship models can vary between 0.3 and 11 metre of length, the typical length of free sailing models is between 4 and 6 metre. Scale depends on required speed, wave conditions, model outfitting and measurement requirements. For floating (offshore) structures the model size is also determined by water depth and required wave conditions.

Model instrumentation

Ship models are fitted with all relevant appendages, including propulsion line, steering gear, stabilising fins, ESD’s and anti-roll tanks. All appendages are fully functional, adapted to work at model scale and with a realistic control based on the ship motions. Model tests for side by side operations and launch and recovery tests with multiple models can be performed as well. DP systems and control is available using an in-house developed control system.

Carriage

The carriage runs over the total length of the basin with a maximum speed of 6 m/s and consists of a main frame and sub frame. The main frame spans the full width of the basin, the sub frame can move along this main frame over the entire width of the basin at a maximum speed of 4 m/s. The carriage can follow all movements of a model that is sailing freely by itself under auto pilot control or it can follow a prescribed track with a ship model mounted to the carriage. The latter case is used for Computerized Planar Motion Carriage (CPMC) tests.

Waves

Waves can be generated with peak periods ranging from 0.8 to 4.2 seconds and, depending on the peak period, up to a significant wave height of 0.45 m. At two adjacent sides of the basin, segmented wave generators are installed, consisting of 320 hinged flaps of 60 cm wide. Each flap is controlled separately by a servo motor. The wave generator can be used to produce regular and irregular, long and short crested waves from arbitrary directions. Opposite the wave generator passive sinkable wave absorbers are installed. To further dampen the waves, the wave generators are equipped with an active reflection compensation. Wind Wind forces can be modelled using portable wind fans or by attaching lines with controlled tension winches.