Ocean & Atmosphere facilities

10-ft and 5-ft Wave Flume Facility

Vicksburg, MS

Two glass-walled wave flumes are used to support research and site-specific studies. The flumes are both 63 m (208 ft) long and 1.5 m (5 ft) deep. One flume is 1.5 m (5 ft) wide while the other is 3 m (10 ft) wide. Both two-dimensional glass-walled flumes are equipped with computer-controlled electro-hydraulic wave generators. The wave generators are capable of creating irregular waves with a maximum wave height of 0.46 m (1.5 ft), and wave periods of 0.75-10.0 secs. A steady flow system is also an integral part of the flumes. The facility includes an automated data acquisition and control system, extensive fluid measurement instruments and a laser profiling system.

18-in and 3-ft Wave Flume Facility

Vicksburg, MS

Specifications: Two glass walled wave flumes are used to support research and site-specific studies. The flumes are both 45 m (148 ft) long and 0.91 m (3 ft) deep. One flume is 0.46 m (18 in) wide while the other is 0.91 m (3 ft) wide. Both two-dimensional glass-walled flumes are equipped with computer-controlled electro-hydraulic wave generators. The wave generators are capable of creating irregular waves with a maximum wave height of 0.23 m (0.75 ft), and wave periods of 0.50-10.0 secs. The facility includes an automated data acquisition and control system.

Acoustic Sensors

Crane, IN

Provides acquisition, acquisition engineering, test and evaluation, production engineering, in-service engineering (including alterations) and integrated logistics concepts for Acoustic Sensors (assigned systems). Includes engineering, technical, logistics, surge production, maintenance, overhaul, and depot repair, and extensive acoustic test facilities. Includes teaming with the Fleet, industry and other Government Activities to provide solutions to problems at the product level. Products include sonobuoys, transducers, underwater cables, acoustic countermeasures, countermeasure launchers, and underwater communication devices.

Climatic Simulation Facilities/Capabilities

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Coastal Harbors Modeling Facility

Vicksburg, MS

The Coastal Harbors Modeling Facility is used to aid in the planning of harbor development and in the design and layout of breakwaters, absorbers, etc.. The goal is to optimize harbor protection and verify acceptable project performance. Design of small-craft harbors is very difficult due to the complexity of wave interaction with the complicated geometry of most harbors. Additional complications caused by nearby or adjacent rivers, and/or harbor oscillation problems caused by long-period wave energy make analytical methods inadequate for final design. Many small-boat harbor projects can be examined in a thorough and efficient manner using the dedicated small-scale boat harbor physical model.

Coastal Inlet Model Facility

Vicksburg, MS

The Coastal Inlet Model Facility, as part of the Coastal Inlets Research Program (CIRP), is an idealized inlet dedicated to the study of coastal inlets and equipped to represent the most significant physical processes at and around inlets. An inlet is a region connecting two or more large bodies of water by a relatively short and narrow channel. The water bodies may be an ocean and lagoon, a large lake and a bay, or a river entering a sea or lake. Many processes at inlets can be examined in a thorough and efficient manner in a dedicated inlet physical model. A 1:50 undistorted scale was assumed to determine reasonable inlet dimensions, however other scales can easily be assumed to accommodate the study of specific processes because of the simplified bathymetry in the model. The basin at this time contains an inlet with fairly steep beach slopes so that additional features (such as an ebb shoal) can easily be added. Also the bathymetry can be remolded in the inlet entrance area to the more complex bathymetry of an actual inlet, either in fixed-bed (concrete) or movable-bed (sand). Ebb and flood shoal areas can also be modified to represent more complex bathymetries.

Coastal Test Range

Panama City, FL

Precise tracking and positioning is provided by a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) utilizing the DOD’s GPS in conjunction with Differential Corrections generated in RTCM SC-104 format. These corrections can be broadcast from any of four Beach Sites located along Thomas Drive on the Gulf of Mexico via HF radio modem for over-the-horizon (OTH) operations or UHF radio modem for line-of-site (LOS) operations. Dedicated computer systems are used to provide a real-time graphical display, instantaneous speed, heading, crosstrack error, LAT/LON, local x-y and Florida State Plane x-y coordinates, and more. Accuracies with this system are typically 1 meter or better. Accurate DGPS coverage extends over a 150-mile radius from Panama City Beach.

Compressed Air System Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Compressed Air System Facility is a one-of-the-art test facility capable of conducting full-scale system and component testing. Systems tested include high-pressure air systems, low pressure vital and non-vital air systems, electronics dry air systems, submarine ballast blow air systems and Electronic Cooling Water Systems. Component testing includes high and low pressure air compressors, reducing valves, dehydrators, moisture monitors, air control panels for radar wave guides, chill water system refrigerant controllers, chill water heat exchangers for demineralizer systems, duplex strainers, flow switches, and temperature regulating valves.

Deep Ocean Simulation Facility

Port Hueneme, CA

The Deep Ocean Simulation Facility (DOSF) contains state-of-the art pressure vessels and support equipment to simulate the pressure and temperature of the deep ocean environment. Deep ocean tests may be conducted statically or under operational conditions by using penetrations for electricity, hydraulics, or instrumentation.

Deep Submergence Life Support Facility

Panama City, FL

This building provides special facilities such as clean areas, secure environmentally controlled storage, grade B water, vacuum, and high pressure air and mixed gas supply lines, used in the assembly and testing of life support diving equipment. Clean work areas have filtered room air and positive pressure clean zones with sealed floors and walls.

Deep Submergence Pressure Tank Facility

West Bethesda, MD

This facility contains pressure tanks that are designed to provide the Navy and Maritime Industry with the capability to evaluate structures, components and systems in an environment that simulates as nearly as possible the ocean depths. These pressure tanks are some of the largest in the world for their size and pressure ratings. The spherical, 10 foot diameter, 10,000 psi tank is the only tank in the U.S. that is certified for explosives operations by NAVSEA for at-depth shock testing of models and components.

Dive Team

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Diver and Life Support Systems

Panama City, FL

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City is the recognized expert in Diving and Life Support System R&D;, T&E;, acquisition support and in-service engineering. The Diving and Life Support Division conducts fundamental research through full-scale development, into production and Fleet support of underwater and surface life-support equipment and systems. Direct support is provided not only to the Navy but also to tri-service needs for all aspects of diving and life support requirements ranging from deep salvage to routine hull maintenance.

Diving and Environmental Simulation

Groton, CT

The Diving and Environmental Simulation Team focuses on ways to optimize the performance and safety of Navy divers. Our goal is to increase mission effectiveness by reducing workplace hazard and providing underwater noise-protection tools. On-going direct fleet support regarding guidelines for operational limits due to underwater noise are a critical part of the program. We are a team of two research psychologists, two diving medical officers, and five research-support personnel, including diving supervisors and a biomedical engineer.

Environmental Test Facility (ETF)

Fort Huachuca, AZ

In addition to reliability and environmental stress screening, the ETF can perform natural and induced environmental acceptance tests. Conditions are precisely controlled and are 100-percent repeatable. Test chambers at the ETF can produce one or a combination of test conditions at a time for test items up to 11-ft wide by 11-ft high by 33-ft long.

ESTEX Facility

Vicksburg, MS

ESTEX has three main components: a 60 ft by 60 ft by 10 ft deep water research facility (DWRF) directly connected to a 420 ft by 60 ft by 4 ft deep research basin (REBA), and a parallel 10 ft wide, 480 ft long flume with depths of 4 ft and 10 ft. A removable partition wall permits formation of an inset flume of any width up to 60 ft and a variable cross-section. It is capable of time-varying unidirectional or reversing flows. Tides and/or currents can be generated separately in the flume as well as in the basin. Pumps installed on two large, fully covered sumps with recirculating arrangement generate flow and tides.

Experimental Diving Facility

Panama City, FL

The EDF is used to perform unmanned test and evaluation of diving and hyperbaric chamber systems and components, and test and evaluation of all diving practices and procedures to determine safety, operational suitability, operational limits, and conformance to established standards. The EDF is also used for integration testing of life support systems and complements the Ocean Simulation Facility.

Experimental Test Pool Facility

Panama City, FL

This is a unique test pool designed and constructed for manned open water testing, and to support work-up dives for the Ocean Simulation Facility. This experimental facility is supported by a fully instrumented medical and engineering deck, which can safely monitor both people and equipment. The Test Pool can accommodate a wide range of experiments ranging from biomedical studies involving thermal and workload concerns, to equipment studies of unmanned mechanisms.

Field Research Facility

Vicksburg, MS

Located on the Atlantic Ocean near the town of Duck, North Carolina, The Field Research Facility (FRF) is an internationally recognized coastal observatory. Instruments at the facility constantly record the changing waves, winds, tides, and currents. Central to the facility is a 560m(1840 ft) long pier and specialized equipment like the CRAB, LARC, and SIS.

Flood Fighting Products Research Facility

Vicksburg, MS

A wave research basin at the ERDC Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory has been modified specifically for testing of temporary, barrier-type, flood fighting products. Modifications to the wave basin were sponsored by GI R&D; through the Technologies and Operational Innovations for Urban Watershed Networks (TOWNS) Program. Modifications include construction of wing walls to which the flood fighting structures will be attached, installation of an 8-ft diameter sump with pumps and flow meters for measuring seepage rates and recirculating water during overtopping tests, and development of a cable towing system for debris impact studies.

Fox Island Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

The laboratory provides a unique, shallow water, protected marine environment well-suited for support of research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E) projects for the Navy's Deep Submergence Program. This support includes conducting ocean engineering experiments, operational evaluation of naval vehicles and equipment, and training in the use of equipment. The laboratory also supports RDT&E projects involving: surface and subsurface navigation and tracking systems, remote underwater vehicle performance, specialized underwater tools; and operations and logistics support for fleet training and exercises.

L-Shaped Flume Wave Basin and 2-ft Flume Facility

Vicksburg, MS

Specifications: The L-Shaped flume consists of a 76 m (250 ft) long by 15 m (50 ft) wide, 1.8 m (6 ft) deep three-dimensional wave basin with an attached wave flume measuring 61 m (200 ft) long, 0.41 m (2 ft) wide, and 1.8 m (6 ft) deep. For both flumes, irregular waves can be generated by computer-controlled, electro-hydraulic wave generators. The wave generators are capable of creating a maximum wave height of 0.61 m (2 ft) with a 0.91 m (3 ft) stroke, and wave periods 0.50-10.0 secs. The facility includes an automated data acquisition and control system, and features local steady current capabilities. The L-shaped end of the basin contains a shallow-sloping rock absorber to prevent unnatural wave refraction effects in the model, hence the name L-Shaped Flume.

Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO)

Washington, DC

Large-Scale Laboratory Facility For Sediment Transport Research

Vicksburg, MS

Effective design and maintenance of inlet navigation and shore protection projects require accurate estimates of the quantity of sand that moves along the beach. The accuracy of present methods for estimating longshore sand transport (LST) rates is uncertain, but believed to be no better than +/- 30 to 50 percent. As part of a thrust to improve capabilities for predicting LST rates, researchers have developed a mobile-bed Large-scale Sediment Transport Facility (LSTF).

Littoral Current Measurement Facility

Washington, DC

Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Model Facility

Vicksburg, MS

The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center constructed a physical model of the Los Angeles-Long Beach (LALB) Harbors complex during the period from July 1972 to July 1973. It is the largest wave action model ever constructed in the United States. The Ports of Los Angeles (POLA) and Long Beach (POLB) have been developing plans for harbor expansion. These plans will be constructed in phases, leading up to a master plan development targeted for the year 2020. The harbors have a history of surge due to long-period waves that create excessive ship motion in certain areas. Consequently, the ports and the Corps plan to ensure optimization of proposed expansions to minimize ship motions in the new basins, as well as preventing adverse effects in existing harbors areas.

Maneuvering and Seakeeping Basin (MASK)

West Bethesda, MD

The Maneuvering and Seakeeping Basin is unique within the Navy, and is used to model the full scale motions of ships, platforms, and mooring systems in waves. In this facility, engineers evaluate the maneuverability, propulsion, dynamic stability, and control of surface ships and submarines in waves and smooth water at various headings. The MASK is used in measuring model motions, accelerations, control surface deflections, hull strains, and wake characteristics at a wide variety of simulated sea states through a radio-controlled surface and submarine model capability. The facility is also used for capsizing tests and slamming studies.

Meteorological Team

Fort Huachuca, AZ

The mission of the Meteorological Team is to provide atmospheric and meteorological services to EPG and the Fort Huachuca area test community. These services consist of Test Planning, Test Support (forecasting, meteorological measurements, and atmospheric characterization), Test Analysis, and Test Data Reports.

Meteorology Team

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Naval Ice Center

Stennis Space Center, MS

The National Ice Center (NIC) is a multi-agency operational center representing the Department of Defense (Navy), the Department of Commerce (NOAA), and the Department of Transportation (Coast Guard). The NIC includes personnel from two departments within NOAA, the National Environmental Satellite Data Information Service (NESDIS) and National Weather Service (NWS). The Navy component within NIC is called the Naval Ice Center (NAVICECEN) and is a fourth echelon command reporting directly to the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) at the Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. Both NAVICECEN and NAVOCEANO are part of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, headquartered at the Stennis Space Center.

Ocean Dynamics and Prediction Branch Visualization Laboratory

Washington, DC

Ocean Dynamics and Prediction Network

Washington, DC

Ocean Optics Instrumentation Systems

Washington, DC

Rain Test Facility

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Scanning Slope Sensing and Wave Guage Array Buoy (SSSWGAB)

Washington, DC

Sea Range

Point Mugu, CA

The Sea Range has the open-ocean, undersea, and over-water environments required for complete naval warfare systems T&E; and Fleet support. Centered at Point Mugu, California, the Sea Range is fully instrumented over its 36,000 square miles, providing an expansive environment to safely conduct air-, surface-, and subsurface-launched weapon tests. Instrumented coverage can be expanded to 125,000 square miles.

Seafloor Plow Test Fixture

Port Hueneme, CA

The Seafloor Plow Test Fixture consists of an indoor tank to mechanically test implements, such as seafloor plows, in selected test-bed soils (e.g. sands, silts, and gravels). Test bed soils are normally in the condition of being fully saturated with water. The tank size is 300 gallons. The SPTF is equipped with sand cone density gages, WES cone penetrometers, and gear to facilitate soil jetting (i.e. Hydraulic Power Unit, tow cables, air compressor).

Sectional Model Flume Facilities

Vicksburg, MS

Benefits: These flumes are design to allow interchanging of structures to facilitate overlapping studies and the ability to easily revisit older model studies if prototype construction generates additional investigation needs.

Wind Measuring and Information Systems (WMIS) Laboratory

Lakehurst, NJ

The WMIS laboratory provides support for a broad range of WMIS and Visual Landing Aid (VLA) systems for direct Fleet support. The WMIS laboratory includes a stabilized glide slope indicator system (SGSI), a Fresnel lens optical landing system (FLOLS), a horizontal reference set (HRS), and an air capable shipboard wind measuring and indicating system. These systems combine in a temperature-controlled environment to provide the laboratory with the capability of simulating and testing for engineering investigations of any WMIS related fleet problems.