The majority of experiments undertaken within the AMC Towing Tank utilise one of the following standard test rigs:

Figure 1. Conventional Two
Post Dynamometer


Figure 2. Large 6-DOF Force Balance


Figure 3. Small 6 Degree of Freedom
Force Balance during testing of a foil.

The conventional two-post dynamometer was designed and commissioned by AMC to suit the conduct of most standard calm water resistance and seakeeping experimental test programs undertaken within the AMC Towing Tank. It can be readily adjusted to suit models of various sizes and applications.

The large six degree of freedom force balance was specially designed by Dr Paul Brandner and Jon Binns (PhD student) of AMC for the conduct of high performance yacht model tests within the AMC Towing Tank.

The small six degree of freedom force balance was specially designed by Dr Paul Brandner, Rob Wrigley and Kishore Kantimahanthi (PhD student) of AMC to undertake force measurements of lifting foils on high-speed vessels.

Ship motions in beam seas are quantified by positioning the model beneath a separate carriage (sub-carriage) to that used for towing the model. In this test rig, the model is essentially unrestrained apart from lightly weighted mooring lines (aligned along the waterline) to maintain the beam on orientation. Light connections to the model allow the vertical motions (and lateral, if required) to be measured.

Figure 4. Measuring the motions of a model of AMC fisheries training vessel Bluefin in beam seas in the Towing Tank.

The SHC regularly develop specialist test rigs to suit any required applications if/when required.

Figure 5. ROV in position ready for testing.

Figure 6. An example of what PhD students get up to when the boss is away!