Rotating Arm Facility

The Rotating Arm Facility is used to measure hydrodynamic forces and moments and perform captive-model stability and control and propulsion experiments on surface ships, towed bodies, unmanned underwater vehicles, swimmer delivery vehicles, submarines, and torpedoes. Surface models up to 30 feet in length and submerged models up to about 22 feet can be tested in a controlled environment over a wide range of angles of attack and drift. Angular velocities can also be controlled. The forces and moments on the hull and appendages are required for accurate mathematical models. Commercial applications for this facility include maritime shipping industry and oceanographic engineering applications.