The NRC's high-discharge flume (HDF) is used to simulate a wide range of open channel flows and study problems in rivers, canals and other inland waterways. Studies in this facility typically focus on the interaction of currents and high-speed flows with a wide range of coastal and offshore structures. The flume can also be equipped with a drop gate structure used to simulate the dynamic effects of dam breaks or tsunami waves.
Our capabilities
The facility is 10 m × 2.7 m × 1.4 m deep (33 ft × 9 ft × 4.5 ft) and is made of stainless steel. The flume provides a steady flow in an open channel with continuously adjustable discharge from 0 to 1.7 m3/s (0 to 60 cfs). The discharge is controlled by a variable pitch pump, and the water level can be controlled by an adjustable sluice gate located near the downstream exit.
The flume can be partitioned as required to provide a narrower working area with increased water velocities. Models can be constructed within the flume to replicate rivers, canals, dams, spillways, etc. The flow can also be diverted into the 30 m by 50 m large area basin, located directly adjacent to the flume, where larger test channels, river models, dams or other hydraulic structures can be constructed and tested.
Why work with us
In working with industry to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization, the NRC plays a critical role in collaborating with industry to assess the performance of infrastructure project designs, marine vehicles and marine operations in operational and extreme conditions and develop optimizations to improve performance, increase safety and reduce lifecycle costs. Working with the NRC offers you the competitive advantage of world-class, customizable testing facilities combined with the broad knowledge and experience of our in-house research staff. The NRC's professional staff has extensive experience in many engineering fields, including the behaviour and performance of structures and vehicles in complex ocean, coastal and river environments.
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