Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde, Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Acre Road Hydraulic Laboratory
Parent Body: Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde.

Principal Functions
Ship Resistance measurement. Towed sea-keeping tests in head and following seas. Hydrodynamics of towed bodies.

Subsidiary Functions
Wave impact studies on fixed and floating bodies.

General Details
The towing tank provides excellent conditions for measuring forces and motions on surface ships and underwater bodies. Model sizes up to 4m may be used. Single-frequency waves and random sea-states may be generated with wave heights up to 0.5m. Ship motions are measured using a non-contact infrared camera system or using contact-based methods (e.g. LVDTs). Resistance dynamometers for different vessel types and model sizes are available as well as a six degree-of-freedom dynamometer for force measurement. Up to 25 wave probes may be used to determine water surface elevation in the tank. A 3-axis fluid velocity measurement system is also available. Pressure distributions on model surfaces can be measured. Above-water and underwater video systems are available.

Specification

• Tank dimensions: length 76m × width 4.6m × depth 2.4m

• Carriage: Self propelled: max speed 5m/s

• Wavemaker: Computer controlled single flap type generating regular or irregular waves up to 0.5m height.

• Data acquisition: PC based modular data acquisition/control system. Up to 64 input and 20 output channels, sample rate up to 60kHz.

Special Features
Technician support for testing is normally supplied. Ship model making and fit-out services are available. Customised mechanical systems and transducers can be manufactured.

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. One months advance notice is ideally required when asking for time on the facility.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to individual negotiation. The minimum hire period is one day.

Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles.

Contact Information
Dr Sandy Day
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
100 Montrose St
Glasgow G4 OLZ
Tel:        0141 548 3303 (direct line)
             0141 548 4094 (messages)
Fax:       0141 552 2879
E-mail:  sandy.day@na-me.ac.uk