Facitilies

Energy is transferred from the wind to the waves. The amount of energy transferred, and hence the size of the resulting waves, depends on the wind speed, the length of time for which the wind blows and the distance over which it blows. Real seas contain waves which are random in height, period and direction. A large Ocean Wave Basin and Wave Flume take these factors into account and enable the simulation of different wave conditions in order to test devices in different sea states.

The facilities at the HMRC provide an ideal testing environment throughout all phases of device development. Computer models of wave climate are validated with actual recorded data where possible.

The motions of the system undergoing testing are determined using a Qualysis ProReflex, non-contact 6 DOF, motion capture measurement system. This system enables non-contact, accurate motion measurement using a set of reflective markers attached to the device and a camera system which uses infrared LEDs mounted around each lens to track the markers.

Powerful active control is provided using National Instruments LabVIEW Real-Time embedded controllers.