Simulate the effect of ocean waves on floating and offshore structures or the effect of tsunami forces on coastal structures and coastlines. These specialty wave simulation systems are custom designed to meet the desired profiles such as wave height, wave period and water depth.
MTS works with our customers to understand their testing needs and help with the design process
Global Coastlines
2D Wave Flumes can be used to investigate coastline erosion and help with damage prevention strategies
Energy Industry
3D Wave Basins can be used to simulate ocean wave loading on offshore oil rigs and stay cables
Proven Standard
MTS has collaborated with some of the top wave research institutions including Oregon State University, Deltares, and the Institut Natinoal de la Recherche Scientifique
Model Comparison
3D Wave Basin
3D Wave Basins feature multiple actuator panels for generating various wave shapes
Capable of multi-direction wave generation
Basin size has much wider area than a flume
Best for testing off-shore or floating structures such as oil rigs, wind turbines and vessels
Best for testing how coastal structures or coastlines are affected by tsunami wave forces
Technical Overview
As the deepest system in the world and with a flume of 300 meters, it can generate wave heights nearly 5 meters, the highest magnitude currently possible with a system of this type. The system is also capable of simulating tides to test the durability of structures in coastal regions.
Deltares selected MTS in 2013 to design, build and assist with the installation of this engineering marvel. The wave generation system includes a 20-ton wave board, four of the longest-stroke hydraulic actuators ever built by MTS each weighing 15 tons, six large hydraulic power units with a distribution system, and digital servo hardware and software controls for generating both regular and irregular waves. Source: Deltares Web Page
2D Delta Flume Specifications
Length : 291 m (954 ft)
Width: 5m (16 ft)
Max Water Depth : 9.5 m (31 ft)
Type : Piston-type, Hydraulic Actuator Assembly
Max Wave : 4.5m (14.5 ft)
*For full details please see the Deltares web page linked below.
The Environmental Hydraulics Laboratory possesses a multifunctional large scale wave flume. Located in the Québec Metro High Tech Park, the flume is 120 m long and has a depth and a width of 5 m. It is the largest of its kind in North America. *Source: INRS Web Page
2D Wave Flume
Length : 120 m (39 ft)
Width: 5 m (16 ft)
Max Water Depth : 3.5 m (11.5 ft)
Type : Piston-type, Hydraulic Actuator Assembly
*For full details please see the INRS web page linked below.
The O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory provides outstanding research and testing at the largest nearshore experimental facility at an academic institution in the US. The 61,000 ft2 (5,700 m2) building is situated on the main campus and houses the Large Wave Flume (LWF), Directional Wave Basin (DWB), and 5,400 ft2 (500 m2) of office space for staff, graduate students, visiting researchers, and clients. *Source: OSU Web Page
3D Wave Basin
Length : 48.8 m (160 ft)
Width: 26.5 m (87 ft)
Max Water Depth : 1.36 m (4.46 ft)
Type : Piston-type, Electric Motor
Max Wave : 2.5 ft
2D Wave Flume
Length : 104 m (342 ft)
Width: 3.7 m (12 ft)
Max Water Depth : 2.7 m (9 ft)
Type : Piston-type, Hydraulic Actuator Assembly
Max Wave : 1.7 m (5.6 ft)
*For full details please see the Oregon State University web page linked below.
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