Experiment design

This page provides guidelines for designing effective and time-efficient wave/tow tank experiments.

Developing a test plan

Having a well-defined test plan is crucial for efficient use of the tank facility and instrumentation. Prospective users should:

1. Formulate a matrix of test parameters for the experiment. Think about what data/files the experiment should produce.
2. Assess the feasibility of the experiment. Check parameters against the tow system and/or wavemaker system specs to ensure safe operation.
3. Develop preliminary mechanical and electrical designs.
4. Obtain approval from an administrator to perform the experiment.
5. Estimate the total time required and a time. See Scheduling.

Example

The following is a sample test plan matrix for an experiment where an object is towed through waves:

run	tow_speed	wave_type	wave_height	wave_period
0	0.5	regular	0.10	1.0
1	0.5	regular	0.11	1.5
2	0.5	regular	0.12	2.0

Mechanical design

It is highly recommended that users design their experimental apparatus using CAD software. This way, deficiencies in designs can be identified and resolved before, rather than during an experiment. Having a CAD design also aids users in setting up their experiments geometrically, since distances can be measured from convenient datums within the CAD model. For downloading CAD models of the tow/wave tank equipment, see the CAD page.

Mounting equipment to the tow carriage

There are two 80/20 40 series extrusions attached to the carriage for attaching equipment for towing, which are approximately 66.75" apart on center, centered about the tank width +/- 1/16".

Corrosion concerns

The tank environment is very corrosive to bare steel and aluminum. Anti-corrosion coatings are recommended. Note that even hard-coat anodized aluminum is susceptible to corrosion due to the sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) in the tank.