IIT Madras lab creates 12-metre-high sea waves for marine research

CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal: Viewers are thrilled by the huge sea waves and stormy conditions shown in the film “Life of Pi”. But can such waves also be created on land? Advanced laboratories linked to ocean engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras are helping scientists study similar marine conditions. Using special wave basins and wave flumes, sea waves are generated here under controlled conditions, and are used to test the strength of ships and marine structures.

The institute’s Department of Ocean Engineering has a facility that is among Asia’s large wave basins. Special wave makers installed in it can produce different types of waves. Researchers study regular, irregular, long and short waves, as well as breaking waves. These experiments help in understanding how much pressure ships and marine structures face during strong waves and storms at sea.

Ships and marine structures are tested in these laboratories. Small model ships, offshore platforms, wind energy turbines and coastal protection structures are tested here. With the help of sensors and modern data-recording equipment, researchers measure wave height, pressure, speed and the impact on structures.

IIT Madras also has a 360-degree full bridge ship simulator, which provides an experience similar to the control room of a real ship. Conditions such as steering a ship, changing direction and entering ports can be practised in it. This technology is used to study port design, coastal protection, ship capacity and offshore wind energy projects, helping in dealing with marine disasters. Creating sea-like conditions in the laboratory makes it possible to conduct risky tests in a controlled environment. This can help strengthen ocean engineering, disaster management and India’s maritime infrastructure.

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