Model Tests

Ice model testing is probably our most important design tool – through these tests, we verify the hull form functionality before the ship is built. We also offer our model testing and related consultation services to ship owners and other design organisations.

1969

The first ice test basin was built to Finland 1969, today we are operating the 3rd basin in Helsinki Finland.

700

We have made over 700 model test programmes with scale models.

Model Ice

We have developed methods to scale the relevant model ice parameter for different ice conditions.

Design Tool

Model testing is probably our most important design tool, every design is tested before the ship is built.

Ice model test basin

Building the first ice test basin to Finland in 1969 marked the starting point of the systematic accumulation of knowhow related to icebreaker design in Finland. It also marked the starting point of Railo Technology’s history. Since then, we and our predecessor organisations have conducted over 700 model test programmes using scale models. The present ice test basin is the third we have operated.

Over the decades, we have developed optimal processes to perform different types of model tests. One critical component in testing is the model ice. We have developed methods to produce model ice so that relevant ice parameters scale in line with the model, ensuring the results are comparable to real ice and ice conditions, such as first- and multi-year level ice, brash ice channels, ice rubble and ridges, floe ice, and first- and multi-year ridges.

We also utilise Aalto University’s square-shaped test basin when its facilities are better suited for the test programmes – for example, for manoeuvering and operational tests. Required open-water tests are conducted at commercial partner test facilities in Europe.

Ice model testing is a design tool

Ice model testing is probably our most important design tool – every concept we develop is tested before the ship is built to ensure that the decisions made fulfil the customer’s operational requirements. The behaviour of ice around ships, offshore structures, and port facilities is complex.

From the model tests, we obtain a set of quantitative data on the ship’s performance, but equally important are the results we get related to the visual information on how the hull form and propulsion function in real ice conditions. To enable this, we have underwater windows that allow us to observe the behaviour and film all tests for later analysis.

We offer testing and design consulting services for ship owners and other engineering companies. Ice model testing is a powerful tool for assessing different designs for new ships or modifications of existing ships for future missions. Making informed decisions during the concept design phase can lead to substantial cost savings throughout the operational lifecycle.

Our experienced test crew can engineer a wide variety of tests in our test facilities to suit our customers’ needs. For example, we have performed the following types of tests:

Icebreaking performance predictions of ships

Ship maneuvering tests in ice

Tests involving ships, structures, and special craft types

Global ice load and impact tests of floating and fixed marine structures

Mooring tests of floating vessels using an underwater carriage

Dynamic positioning (DP) tests in ice

Loading and offloading operations in ice

Tests of ice encroachment on artificial islands and ice protection solutions in shallow waters

Ice formation and melting tests

Autonomous ship testing

Testing of multi-vessel operations

Hull coating friction tests

References

Articles

Finnish icebreaker “Aino” in extensive model tests

Aker Arctic began the concept design of a new medium-class icebreaker for the…

Every ice model test requires detailed planning

High-quality, reliable ice model tests are a practical method for verifying…