Facilities

---

The research capability of the AMHRC is supported by infrastructure provided by the facilities listed below.

Cavitation Tunnel : A closed, variable pressure, recirculating water tunnel used for the study of flow about ship hulls, underwater vehicles and, propulsion and control equipment. Investigations may involve the study of cavitation and other two phase flows, steady and unsteady flows, turbulence and hydroacoustics. The tunnel is being upgraded with improved test section flow properties and background noise level, systems for active control of free and dissolved gas content and control of the test section ceiling boundary layer.

Towing Tank : A tank for conducting hydrodynamic experiments on physical scale models for a wide variety of ocean going vessels and structures. Dimensions are 100m in length, 3.5m width and variable water depth up to 1.6m.

Circulating Water Channel (Flume Tank) : A recirculating open water channel used to study the dynamic motions of surface and underwater vessels, bodies and appendages such as fishing gear, as well as to study changing geometry and external loads associated with flexible structures such as fishing nets and sea cage nets. Control of dynamic motions of surface and underwater vessels in the channel flow is achieved using a Horizontal Planar Motion Mechanism developed previously by the research partners. The upgrade will result in improvements to the instrumentation system, model-making workshop and layout of downstairs viewing area.

Model Test Basin : A 35m long by 12m wide test basin with a multi-element wave generator that is used to study interactions of vessels with wave patterns, other vessels and bodies and boundaries such as wharves, banks and the sea floor. The facility is a valuable tool for conducting hydrodynamic experiments in shallow water environments such as shipping ports, harbours, rivers and coastal regions.

Integrated Marine Simulator : Comprising a Shiphandling Simulator with a full-scale ship's bridge and a Ship Operations Simulator with six 'own ship' cubicles, this integrated simulator is used for research and investigation in port development, ship manoeuvring and improving ship and port safety and efficiency. The capability of the simulator is being enhanced to enable more realistic modelling of bank, swell current and wind effects.

High Performance Computer Network : Based on a thirty-two node Beowulf Cluster, this system will be used primarily for computational fluid dynamics work and also for supporting the broader needs of the Centre.