Aalto Ice and Wave Tank
Aalto Ice and Wave Tank is the largest ice tank in the world by surface area. The dimensions of 40 x 40 m and the square plan allow ice testing at a globally unique scale. The tank serves the design and operation of ice-going vessels and offshore and coastal structures in cold regions as well as polar sea environment modelling. The facility and research staff focus on novel, first-of-its-kind experiments that advance the scientific understanding of ice mechanics.
The tank is equipped with a cooling and icemaking system for production of model ice suited for reduced-scale testing with floating ice. The facility also allows periodical tests with freshwater ice. The wavemaking system can generate regular and irregular wave conditions both in open water and in ice. Real-time tracking of test structures or other objects is enabled by two systems. Shallow-water areas can be modelled using the beach and intermediate beds.
The main types of experiments in the tank are ice–structure interaction and ship resistance and manoeuvring in ice. Servo systems allow flexible coupled modelling of structural dynamics of floating or fixed compliant structures, such as wind turbine foundations. The tank also allows modelling of sea ice dynamics, sea ice in waves, natural ice formations such as ice ridges and fracture of sea ice and marine icing. The wavemaking capabilities make the tank suited for wave–structure and seakeeping tests in open water. The positioning systems enable precise tracking of test structures and position feedback to autonomous ship models.
Aalto Ice and Wave Tank is operated by Aalto University, School of Engineering, and has an integral role in research and teaching of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The tank is also available for use by academic professionals and industrial experts from around the world according to its access guidelines and pricing principles.
Aalto Ice and Wave Tank is part of .
The Scientific Advisory Board of the Aalto Ice and Wave Tank aims to strengthen the links of the facility to key stakeholders in marine arctic technology, ice mechanics and geophysics. The board meets annually to discuss ongoing activities at the ice tank and future plans and needs. The Scientific Advisory Board has members from national and international universities, research institutes, governmental offices and industry, and has an important role in giving feedback of our activities and in discussing ideas for future developments.
Scientific Advisory Board members
- Knut Hoyland, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
- David Molyneux, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
- Hayo Hendrikse, TU Delft, The Netherlands
- Petteri Uotila, University of Helsinki
- Jari Haapala, Finnish Meteorological Institute
- Teemu Manderbacka, VTT Technical Research Center of Finland
- Toni Karppinen, Finnish Transport and Communications Agency
- Riikka Matala, Aker Arctic
- Kim Salmi, Helsinki Shipyard
- Esa Holttinen, Arenso