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Andrew Cornett
Phone: 613-993-6690
Fax: 613-952-7679
Email: Andrew.Cornett@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Contact

Paul Knox
Phone: 613-993-6844
Fax: 613-952-7679
Email: Paul.Knox@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

NRC-CHC Experts and Staff

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Multidirectional Wave Basin (MWB)

The Multidirectional Wave Basin

The Multidirectional Wave Basin

Length

26m

Width

36m

Maximum depth

2.8m

Waves

Powerful 60-segment wave machine can generate short-crested waves with significant heights up to 0.5m

Beaches

High-efficiency passive wave absorbers give less than 5% reflection over a wide range of depth, wave period and wave height

Currents

Various options including recirculation tunnels, thrusters and submerged water jets.

Drainable

Yes

Access

Easy access for construction equipment plus 1-ton traversing hoist

Data acquisition

Up to 128 channels at 1000 samples per second

CHC's Multidirectional Wave Basin (MWB) is a state of the art facility for testing the performance of maritime structures in the ocean environment. Studies in this facility typically focus on the interaction of multidirectional waves, currents and winds with a wide variety of coastal and offshore structures. The MWB can also be used to study coastal processes and port developments.

Segmented wave generator

Segmented wave generator

 

The facility consists of a 26 m x 36 m x 3 m deep rectangular wave basin with a centrally located 6 m diameter by 14.8 m deep pit for testing deep water structures. The pit is covered and sealed for shallow water studies. The basin and pit can be rapidly drained and filled via a high capacity pump connected to an outdoor reservoir. A sturdy concrete ramp allows construction equipment to access the basin for building coastal models and installing large models of marine structures. The MWB is also served by a 1 ton overhead crane.

A wide range of regular, irregular (long-crested) and multidirectional (short-crested) wave conditions can be generated using a powerful and flexible 60-segment multidirectional wave machine installed along the basin's north wall. Regular waves up to 0.7 m high can be generated. The segments are installed on a frame that can be raised or lowered to accommodate a wide range of water depths. The wave boards can be operated in piston, flapper or combination mode to suit various water depths. Efficient beaches are installed around the perimeter of the basin to control unwanted wave reflections, thereby enhancing the quality and realism of the simulated sea states.

Shallow-water short-crested waves in the MWB

Shallow-water short-crested waves in the MWB

 

Local wind fields can be simulated using a bank of computer-controlled fans. Several systems are available for generating currents, including arrays of underwater nozzles, thruster pumps, and recirculation tunnels. Reversing tidal currents can also be modelled.

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Cornett, Group Leader
Phone: 613-993-6690
Fax: 613-952-7679
Email: Andrew.Cornett@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Paul Knox
Phone: 613-993-6844
Fax: 613-952-7679
Email: Paul.Knox@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

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