The wave evolution flume is a bespoke facility designed to examine the properties of waves as they propagate from deep water into shallow water. To achieve this, the 60m long, 0.3m wide flume is fitted with sloping beds of variable angles that allow waves to propagate from a water depth of 0.7m to the shoreline. Typical slopes employed in experiments range from 1:250-1:10 while the full length of the flume is instrumented with a large number wave gauges, pressure transducers and radars to measure wave evolution over large distances. The glass walls allow visual access for advanced imaging techniques, such as particle image velocimetry, and the reliable measurement of wave kinematics. Similar to the other flumes the laboratory, the waves are generated using a force-controlled flap-type wave maker. The research undertaken in this flume is particularly useful for studying wave evolution in the shoaling and surf zones, predicting near-shore wave conditions for wave energy conversion, testing the efficiency and survivability of coastal structures as well as sediment transport and beach evolution.
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Fluid Mechanics
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Skempton Building
Imperial College London
South Kensington Campus
London, SW7 2AZ
Telephone:
+44 (0)20 7594 5990
Email: r.naessens@imperial.ac.uk
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We are located in the Skempton Building (building number 27 on the South Kensington Campus Map). How to find us