Random Wave Channel
Parent Body: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College, South Kensington, London, SW1 2BU

Principal Functions
Model studies: waves, beaches, coastal structures, offshore structures.

General Details
The channel is 60m long, 2.75m wide with operating water-depth up to 1.2m. It has a fixed 1:17 sloping beach on which other near-shore profiles can be mounted. Random, uniform or specific time series wave generation — computer control. The facility is used for both research and commercial studies with a wide range of physical models, e.g. offshore platforms, sea-walls, beach profiles etc.

Specification
Length 60m, width (max) 2.75m

Operating depth (max) 1.2m. Width reduced to two narrower channels in beach section, but can be varied.

Computer controlled wave generator, maximum significant wave height 200mm. Full computer data collection system and transducers including single-channel, back scatter, fibre optic laser velocimetry.

Special Features
Full workshop/technical support for model construction, beach preparation etc. Full PC-based computer support.

Four academic staff involved, plus, typically 10 Ph.D. students.

Future Plans
Enhanced laser-Doppler velocity system. Potential addition of deep section at down-wave end, max. possible depth 4m.

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. Three months advance notice is required when asking for time on the facility. Time is allocated for research priorities first, but usually there are no scheduling problems for commercial work.

Charging Basis
Published rates are available, but they can be subject to individual negotiation. There is the possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement. There are no minimum or maximum hire periods.

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

Contact Information
Dr Christopher Swan
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Imperial College
South Kensington
London
SW1 2BU
Telephone:  020 7594 5999   Fax:  020 7225 2716
Email:  c.swan@ic.ac.uk