NRC — Towing tank research facility
Canada
Towing tank in Ottawa
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
Researchers And Facilities
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- National Research Council Canada (NRC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Use this fee-for-service tank to test underwater vehicles and a range of marine systems.
grant_single_labels|projects
The project or activities eligible for this grant include: - Testing in calm water and waves - Resistance and propulsion testing - Seakeeping evaluation - Maneuvering studies - Propeller open water analysis - Hydrodynamic force measurement - Motion studies of moored and floating structures - Life-saving appliances and human factors testing These activities are conducted at the NRC's towing tank facility to simulate marine conditions and assess the performance of various marine systems.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$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
$65,000
Conduct propeller open water analysis for improved propulsion efficiency
$50,000
Perform hydrodynamic force measurements on experimental floating structures
grant_single_labels|admissibility
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Unlocking Marine Innovation with Advanced Testing Facilities
The NRC's cutting-edge towing tank facility offers an unparalleled environment for testing a wide range of marine systems, including high-speed vessels and underwater vehicles. This grant supports collaborations that utilize these world-class facilities to advance marine technology innovations from development to commercialization.
Exploring the Full Potential of NRC’s Towing Tank and Its Broader Impact
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) provides an exceptional opportunity for maritime industries to leverage its expansive towing tank facilities for research and development purposes. Located in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, the NRC's towing tank is engineered to simulate real-world marine conditions, making it ideal for comprehensive testing of marine systems like bulk carriers, submarines, icebreakers, and more. The tank measures a substantial 200 meters in length, 7 meters in depth, and 12 meters in width, enabling the testing of vessel models up to 10 meters long. It is equipped with a precision-controlled carriage that can reach speeds of up to 10 m/s, crucial for assessing high-speed vessels like warships and patrol boats.
This facility is capable of generating wave heights of up to 1 meter for regular waves and 0.75 meters for irregular waves, closely mimicking the challenges these marine environments impose on vessels. Such realistic simulation capabilities are vital for evaluating a vessel's resistance, propulsion, seakeaping, and maneuverability under diverse conditions, which can include both calm waters and tumultuous waves.
The NRC's towing tank is augmented with sophisticated equipment like large-amplitude planar-motion mechanisms and marine dynamic test facilities, allowing tests of underwater vehicles in six degrees of motion freedom. Additionally, the facility supports high-tech wake surveys and propeller open water testing, enhancing its utility for developers seeking to improve the hydrodynamic efficiency of marine vessels.
The availability of specialized equipment, such as precision gimballed towing dynamometers, qualisys optical tracking for motion analysis, and high-definition synchronized video systems, provides comprehensive data capture and analysis capabilities. These features collectively de-risk the development process, significantly reducing the time and cost to market while ensuring reliability and performance of new marine technologies.
Through the NRC grant, businesses can gain not only financial support but access to the invaluable expertise of NRC professionals. These experts possess extensive experience in marine engineering and regularly consult with industry clients to tailor testing procedures that meet specific R&D objectives. This collaborative approach is designed to foster innovation in marine systems by providing insight into the performance and efficiency improvements necessary for commercialization.
Grant participants benefit from not only the technical superiority of NRC's facilities but also from an established network of industry and academic partners. This connection extends the potential for further collaborations, providing a pathway to accelerate the adoption of new technologies in both the domestic and international marine sectors. Projects supported by the grant are therefore set on a trajectory towards significant advances in maritime technology, contributing to economic growth and positioning Canada at the forefront of marine innovation globally.
As the demand for energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable marine solutions grows, the NRC's towing tank plays a pivotal role. By simulating a range of ocean conditions and reducing risks associated with new maritime technologies, this facility helps bridge the gap between theoretical designs and practical applications. The grant facilitates a holistic approach to innovation, guiding projects from conception through to the testing phase, ultimately ensuring their readiness for market deployment.
