Lamont Towing Tank
Parent Body: University of Southampton, School of Engineering Sciences, Ship Science, Highfield, Southampton, SO9 5NH

Principal Functions
Ship model resistance and sea-keeping experiments. Horizontal planar motion experiments; properties of waves, bodies in waves and wave energy devices.

Subsidiary Functions
Calibration of water speed measurement devices.

General Details
The Lamont Tank provides a controlled environment for testing models in calm water or in waves. It can also be used to test fixed bodies or structures subject to wave loadings, and unmanned or tethered underwater vehicles.

Specification
The tank has a length of 30m, breadth of 2.4m and a water depth of 1.2m. It is equipped with an unmanned carriage capable of towing models of ships/marine vehicles at speeds up to 2.5m/s. Model size is typically up to a maximum of 2.0m. The carriage is equipped with a resistance/side force/yaw moment dynamometer. The wavemaker is a Seasim 3-segment flap type and is capable of generating regular, transient and irregular waves; wave measurement is carried out with capacitance and resistance probes. The horizontal planar motion mechanism, when required, is towed by the carriage.

Special Features
Support staff may be provided for the facility if required.
Analogue and digital data acquisition systems are available.

Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the private and public sector. There are no restrictions on the type of body that can apply to use the facility. Approximately one months advance notice is required when asking for time on the facility. Time is allocated on the following basis; firstly for academic teaching purposes, then for other purposes.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to individual negotiation. There is a possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement. The minimum hire period would be one day and the maximum would be of the order of five days, but could be extended depending on the availability.

Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles and local accommodation is available for the hirer’s staff.

Contact Information
Dr A F Molland
University of Southampton
School of Engineering Sciences
Ship Science
Highfield
Southampton, SO9 5NH
Telephone:  023 8059 3035    Fax:  023 8059 3299
E-mail:  a.f.molland@ship.soton.ac.uk