The NRC's ice tank in Ottawa is an indoor, refrigerated facility that simulates Arctic and northern marine conditions. The NRC ice laboratory is a versatile ice modelling facility that has been used to study dozens of ice-related problems. It is used for many types of studies, including model tests of ice structure interactions using model ice. The tank has also been used to investigate the effects of ice scouring seabed material.
Our capabilities
The concrete tank is 21 m long by 7 m wide by 1.1 m deep (68.9 ft × 23 ft × 3.6 ft) and is equipped with both a towing and service carriage. The temperature inside the chamber can be varied down to -20 °C and can produce ice of up to 0.6 m (2 ft) thick. The tank can also accommodate a wave machine, producing a wave climate in different ice regimes.
Why work with us
NRC's experts are recognized internationally for their work in modelling ice and ice problems. In working with industry to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization, the NRC plays a critical role in de-risking and demonstrating technologies in order to support industry bringing them to market. 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 capitalizes on our in-house experts who have extensive experience in advanced engineering and complex ocean, coastal and river environments.
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