NRC — Towing tank research facility
Last Update: January 24, 2025
Canada
Towing tank in Ottawa
NRC — Towing tank research facility at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : November 14, 2019
Financing Type
Researchers And Facilities
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Grant Providers
- National Research Council Canada (NRC)
- Government of Canada
Status
Open
Overview of the NRC — Towing tank research facility program
Use this fee-for-service tank to test underwater vehicles and a range of marine systems.
Eligible projects & activities
The NRC Towing Tank Research Facility grant supports projects focused on advancing marine technology and effectiveness through comprehensive testing and evaluation. Eligible activities are centered on improving marine vessel design, propulsion, and safety systems under controlled conditions.
- Testing marine vessel performance in calm water and wave conditions.
- Evaluating resistance and propulsion characteristics of various ship models.
- Conducting seakeeping and maneuvering experiments.
- Assessing propeller performance in open water testing environments.
- Measuring hydrodynamic forces impacting marine structures.
- Studying motions of moored and floating structures.
- Testing life-saving appliances and evaluating human factors.
- Using a marine dynamic test facility for underwater vehicles' motion analysis in six degrees of freedom.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 50,000
Perform hydrodynamic force measurements on experimental floating structures
$ 65,000
Conduct propeller open water analysis for improved propulsion efficiency
$ 60,000
Maneuvering studies of marine robots for enhanced navigational algorithms
$ 50,000
Evaluate the seakeeping capabilities of new mooring systems in turbulent conditions
$ 45,000
Test life-saving appliances and human factors in marine safety scenarios
$ 40,000
Analyze motion studies of moored structures during storms
Eligibility criteria of the NRC — Towing tank research facility program
Who is eligible?
The grant described is focused on working with industry to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization in the marine engineering and testing sector. Companies involved in the development, testing, and commercialization of marine systems, such as bulk carriers, patrol vessels, sailing yachts, ice breakers, and submarines, among others, would be eligible to apply for this grant. The grant is designed to support companies looking to test and validate their marine technologies using the National Research Council of Canada's towing tank facility.
Eligible expenses
This grant is focused on supporting advanced marine research and testing in controlled environments. Eligible activities involve the evaluation and development of marine technologies and systems using specialized testing facilities.
- Conducting resistance and propulsion tests for marine vessels.
- Performing seakeeping studies to evaluate vessel stability and performance in rough waters.
- Analyzing manoeuvring capabilities of ships and underwater vehicles using planar-motion mechanisms.
- Testing of propeller open water characteristics and hydrodynamic forces.
- Studying motion behaviors of moored and floating marine structures.
- Utilizing dynamic test facilities for underwater vehicle evaluations in six degrees of freedom.
- Carrying out life-saving appliances and human factors testing for safety improvements.
- Developing and testing sailing yacht dynamics and performance with specialized dynamometers.
- Implementing flow visualization techniques and conducting high-definition video analyses for marine systems.
Eligibility criteria of the NRC — Towing tank research facility program
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The selection process is based on the following criteria:
- Alignment with the grant's objectives and focus areas
- Demonstrated need for the funding
- Feasibility and potential impact of the project
- Applicant's expertise and capacity to carry out the proposed work
- Potential for commercialization and market impact
- Overall quality and clarity of the proposal
How to apply to the NRC — Towing tank research facility program
1
Contact NRC Expert (Initial Contact)
- Reach out to the NRC using the contact information provided, such as the email address.
- Discuss how their facilities and expertise can assist with your project needs.
2
Define Project Needs (Project Planning)
- Work with NRC experts to outline the specific requirements and objectives of your testing needs.
- Identify the testing parameters, equipment, and timeframe necessary for your project.
3
Collaborate on Proposal Development (Drafting Proposal)
- Collaborate with NRC staff to develop a comprehensive project proposal, detailing the project goals, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Incorporate NRC's guidance on aligning your proposal with their capabilities and expertise.
4
Finalize and Submit Application (Submission)
- Finalize your application documents, ensuring all required information and supporting materials are included.
- Submit your application through the appropriate channel as directed by your NRC contact.
5
Await Feedback (Post-Submission)
- Receive confirmation of submission and any potential follow-up requests from NRC.
- Engage in further discussions if required by NRC for clarification or additional information.
Additional information
Additional relevant details about the NRC's towing tank facility include:
- The facility is equipped with a precision-controlled mobile laboratory that supports a maximum speed of 10 m/s for testing.
- Wave absorption is achieved through a parabolic beach, while eight fans generate wind conditions.
- High-definition video capability synchronized with all sensor data is available for enhanced analysis.
- The facility includes unique equipment such as a large-amplitude planar-motion mechanism, a marine dynamic test facility, and a sailing yacht dynamometer.
- Contact information and location are provided for inquiries and collaboration opportunities.
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