The NRC's 64 m × 1.2 m × 1.2 m (210 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft) steel wave flume is ideal for economical medium-scale, two-dimensional studies of coastal processes and wave-structure interactions. The wave generator can generate irregular waves with significant heights up to 0.25 m (0.8 ft) and is equipped with an active wave absorption (AWA) system for absorbing incoming waves reflected from test structures. Other notable features include a pumping system for generating currents, and large glass windows in both side walls to support detailed visual observation.
Our capabilities
Features of the flume include:
- capability of generating a wide range of wave conditions, including irregular waves with significant heights up to 0.25 m (0.8 ft)
- comprehensive wave synthesis and generation software including second-order compensation
- sophisticated active wave absorption system for suppressing waves reflected from model structures
- high-efficiency passive wave absorbers that give less than 5% reflection over a wide range of depth, wave period and wave height
- re-circulation system for generating currents, alone or in combination with waves
- rapid draining and filling
- served by a 1-ton gantry crane
- full range of instrumentation systems for measuring waves, currents, pressures, forces, runup, overtopping, scour and armour unit stability
- data acquisition on up to 32 channels at 1000 samples per second
- digital video recording system including both regular and high-speed cameras
- large windows for detailed visual observation
Why work with us
In working 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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