Traditional Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Tests

The MHL conducts a variety of traditional naval architecture and marine engineering tests. These tests include calm water resistance and seakeeping tests for ship models and propeller tests for propeller models.


Calm Water Resistance

Traditional calm water resistance testing is done in the Physical Modeling Basin.  The computer-controlled carriage is capable of traveling at speeds up to 6.7 m/s (22 ft/s).


Seakeeping

Seakeeping tests are performed in the Physical Modeling Basin.  The computer-controlled carriage is capable of traveling at speeds up to 6.7 m/s (22 ft/s).  The wedge-type wavemaker can create a variety of wave conditions for testing:

    • regular waves, 0.5-2.5 Hz, up to 18 in (0.46m) wave peak-to-trough wave height
    • random waves, generated from statistics-based sea spectrums converted to model scale
    • rogue waves, large single breaking wave or breaking wave embedded in random waves

 


Propeller Tests

Propeller tests are performed in the Physical Modeling Basin utilizing the propeller dynamometer. Open-water and behind-hull propeller tests can be performed. The basic propeller dynamometer operational parameters are:

  • Forward speed: up to 6.7 m/s (22 ft/s)
  • Propeller rotational speeds: 1200 RPM
  • Propeller torque: +/- 500 in/lbs
  • Propeller thrust: +/- 100 lbs
  • Maximum axial movement based on thrust: < 1/8”