The US Navy Uses a Man-Made Indoor Ocean to Test Ships
Rahul Kalvapalle — August 31, 2014 — Tech
References: navsea.navy.mil & gizmodo
The Naval Surface Warfare Center, a division of the US Navy, has its very own indoor ocean located just outside Washington D.C. The vast space houses as many as 216 newly obtained electronic waveboards that generate realistic ocean-like waves, making the facility the most advanced wave-testing facility the world has ever seen.
The football field-sized indoor ocean is used by the navy to test its ship models before they are actually constructed, and to ascertain how the vessels handle themselves in different conditions and how sailors will perform their duties in them.
The indoor ocean with its fancy technology was developed because previous pneumatic-powered wave systems didn't quite cut it, as they couldn't replicate complicated ocean conditions affected by winds and far-off hurricanes.
With this high-tech new facility, the US Navy can conduct ship simulations and tests in only six weeks, when older facilities required months to finish testing.
The football field-sized indoor ocean is used by the navy to test its ship models before they are actually constructed, and to ascertain how the vessels handle themselves in different conditions and how sailors will perform their duties in them.
The indoor ocean with its fancy technology was developed because previous pneumatic-powered wave systems didn't quite cut it, as they couldn't replicate complicated ocean conditions affected by winds and far-off hurricanes.
With this high-tech new facility, the US Navy can conduct ship simulations and tests in only six weeks, when older facilities required months to finish testing.
Trend Themes
1. Advanced Wave-testing Technology - The US Navy's indoor ocean facility showcases the most advanced wave-testing technology in the world, allowing for realistic simulations of ocean conditions.
2. Efficient Ship Model Testing - The indoor ocean enables the navy to conduct ship model testing and simulations in only six weeks, significantly reducing the time it takes for testing compared to older facilities.
3. Realistic Ocean Replication - The development of this indoor ocean facility addresses the limitations of previous wave systems and allows for the replication of complex ocean conditions influenced by winds and hurricanes.
Industry Implications
1. Maritime Engineering - The maritime engineering industry can leverage the advanced wave-testing technology to improve the efficiency and accuracy of ship model testing.
2. Defense and Security - The defense and security industry can benefit from the indoor ocean facility by using it to enhance the training and preparedness of naval personnel in handling different ocean conditions.
3. Simulation and Testing - The simulation and testing industry can explore opportunities to provide similar indoor ocean facilities to various sectors, such as offshore energy and underwater robotics, for accurate testing and development.
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