Aaron Friedman Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory

 

PROPELLING MARINE INNOVATION SINCE 1904

The University of Michigan’s Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory (MHL) is a research facility dedicated to the study and testing of various marine and hydrodynamic phenomena. It is part of the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NA&ME) at the University of Michigan. For over 100 years, the lab has conducted research and experiments related to fluid dynamics, ship design, offshore engineering, and other areas relevant to marine and naval architecture.

  

 

Student, Adina Farca, is standing over the yellow MHL carriage control center, driving the carriage south through the towing tank. The water is a deep blue-green color and there are multicolored model hulls along the side of the tank in the background.

FACILITIES

The towing tank serves as a versatile test facility. Additionally, the MHL boasts several other facilities such as:

Student, Victoria Arciniega, is standing in knee-deep water. Arciniega is placing synthetic ice pieces into the wind-wave tank. There are glass walls supported with black metal I-beams and an orange pool noodle on the ceiling.

TESTING

The MHL performs a range of conventional naval architecture and marine engineering tests, encompassing calm water resistance and seakeeping tests for ship models, along with propeller tests specifically designed for propeller models.

Four students and Research Project Engineer, Jim Smith, are wearing blue Michigan shirts, and are standing on the MHL carriage. Three people are standing in the foreground, one person is leaning in the background, and one person is sitting in the far background. The carriage is blue with yellow handrails and computer monitors across the side.

CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH

Unique and challenging marine research questions are tackled through the development and utilization of cutting-edge instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and experimental processes.