90m Ice/Towing Tank |
At 90 meters in length, the Ice/Towing Tank is the longest
in the world. Its size allows models to be tested at higher speeds
and for longer durations, providing more data per run. With a
width of 12 meters, the tank allows up to three trial runs for
each sheet of ice and makes it possible to conduct maneuvering
studies, thereby improving the cost-effectiveness of test programs.
Refrigerated fine-grained columnar ice is manufactured to scaled
thickness and flexural strength, and fine air bubbles are incorporated
into the ice sheet so the ice buoyancy is correctly modeled. Ice
growth rates of 3.5 mm per hour can be achieved at - 25°C,
with unlimited maximum thickness. Computer controls ensure that
air temperature is uniform, from -30°C to +15°C.
The ice/towing tank's capabilities are augmented by specialized equipment,
including: a custom towing carriage that has on-board computers for data collection
and reduction; video cameras that record runs from above and below the waterline;
an underwater video carriage; a Digital Acoustic Radar Transceiver (DART) array
that is mounted on the underwater carriage and provides accurate imagery of
the underwater profiles of ice rubble and ridges; and the
Planar Motion Mechanism, which provides precise information on the
maneuvering ability of ice-capable vessels.
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Ice Formulation NRC EG/AD/S
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Fine Grain Columnar Structure Ice (controllable density accurately
models ice buoyancy)
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Drive Force 60kN on Center Line, 30kN on Quarter Points
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Carriage Speed Range |
0.0002m/sec to 4m/sec |
Instrumentation and Equipment:
- Ammonia-based
Refrigeration System
- 26
Evaporators
-
Computerized Temperature Control
-
Manned Carriage with 4 Wheel or Rack Synchronous Motor Drive
- Adjustable
Test Frame (lateral and vertical)
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Above Water and Underwater Video
-
VMS and Windows NT Client/Server System for Data Acquisition
(64 channel capability at 80kHz aggregate, 16 bit resolution)
Specialized
Instrumentation and Equipment:
-
Separate Service Carriage
- Ice
Management
- Can
be attached to tow carriage to push ice sheet against test
structures
- Large
Amplitude ( ± 4m) Horizontal Planar Motion Mechanism
- Simulates
dynamic changes in ice drift heading on fixed offshore structures
- Measures maneuvering performance of surface vessels in ice or open
water
- Digital
Acoustic Radar Transceiver (DART) System
-
Accurate ice rubble and ridge thickness profiles
- Measures
submerged ice buildup in front of test structures
- Underwater
Video Carriage
- Attachment
for underwater video cameras
Applications:
- Testing of Towed, Moored and Self-propelled Models in Simulated Arctic Environment
- Testing
of Ship Models2m to 12m in Length
- Testing of Offshore Structures 0.5m to 4m in Diameter
Tests Performed:
-
Ship Resistance
- Ship
Self-propulsion
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Offshore Simulation
-
Captive and Free Maneuvering in Ice
- Ice Forces on Moored and Fixed Structures
Related Projects:
- FPSO in Extreme Conditions - Tests involving pack ice loading.
- Performance Evaluation of Icebreaking Vessels - Tests involving maneuvering
and propulsion in ice.
- Ice Loading on a Ship-to-Ship Crude Oil Transfer System - An evaluation
to investigate the following: the limiting ice environment that would result
in tensile failure, or in excessive abrasion, of a floating oil transfer hose
for a tandem mooring arrangement of FSO and shuttle tanker; and the loading
on the FSO/shuttle mooring lines, on a Single Anchor Leg Mooring (SALM) hawser,
and on the fenders for an alternate side-by-side mooring arrangement.
- Type 1100 Icebreaker - A study to determine the suitability of the vessel
for a dual science/icebreaking role. Tests involving flow visualization experiments
in ice and initial blister drag experiments as part of the ice flow visualization
experiments.
Download Specification Sheet
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