Towing Tank
Parent Body: Southampton Institute of Higher Education, Maritime Division, East Park Terrace, Southampton, SO9 4WW

Principal Functions
Measurement of drag and sideforce. Motion measurements on models.

General Details
The towing tank provides the standard conditions for measuring drag, sideforce and rigid body motions of surface ships and small craft. Experiments may be run in calm water or specified wave conditions, and facilities are available for photographic and video recording. The typical models used are about 2.2m long and much of the work undertaken relates to small craft, but the tank can be used for a wide variety of tasks, even including parachute testing.

Specification
Tank dimensions: 60m × 6m ×1.8m
Carriage: Self propelled ride on type, max speed 4.5m/sec
Wavemaker: Computer controlled pneumatic flap type, regular or irregular waves
Dynamometer: Drag and sideforce 0–50N (normally)
Wave profile measurement: Capacitance probes
Data acquisition: PC based digital

Special Features
Technician support is available. Use of a planar motion mechanism may be arranged. Commercial work is handled by the Wolfson Unit MTIA, Southampton University.

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. Two months advance notice is required when asking for time on the facility. Time is allocated on the following basis; 50% to undergraduate and postgraduate use, 50% to commercial and other outside users.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to individual negotiation. There is a possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement. The minimum hire period is one day.

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

Contact Information
S M Dalzell
Southampton Institute of Higher Education, Maritime Division
East Park Terrace
Southampton, SO9 4WW
Telephone: 023 8031 9308   Fax: 023 8022 2259