Multidirectional wave basin (MWB)

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

NRC'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.

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.

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.

Contact

Noel Murphy
Telephone: 709-772-4939
Email: Noel.Murphy@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca