Our Story

Timeline graphic depicting major historical dates of the MHL.

1881

Our department was officially established in 1881, driven by the passion and expertise of Mortimer E. Cooley, a Naval Academy graduate. He laid the foundation for our renowned program by teaching “steam engineering and iron shipbuilding” at the University of Michigan. Since then, we have grown into a prominent department, dedicated to shaping the future of naval architecture and marine engineering.

Photo of Mortimer E. Cooley, who has a neatly trimmed moustache with neatly combed gray hair. Cooley is wearing a dark 3-piece suit with a dark tie and a light collared shirt. Cooley is posed sitting with his right arm resting on a desk with papers. In the background, a wooden chair is visible.

Photo of the towing tank in West Hall under original construction in the early 1900s. There are lights along the centerline of the ceiling, high catwalks with dark handrails and windows on either side of the tank, and ledges running across the length of the tank about midway up the walls. There are two trenches in the foreground, with various building supplies scattered across the tank bottom. The tank has a curved bottom shape with rectangular walls and a trench running parallel along the bottom-most part of the tank.

1904

Throughout the years, we have continuously strived for excellence and innovation. In 1904, the opening of the West Engineering Building marked a significant milestone for us. This state-of-the-art facility, housing engineering classrooms, offices, and laboratories, included a large model basin integrated into its foundation. This basin became instrumental in scientific testing and the development of ships’ hull forms.

1957

The visionary leadership of Richard B. Couch in 1957 propelled our department to new heights. With ambitious plans to enhance our educational program and the capabilities of the model basin, Couch secured substantial support from the College of Engineering. The model basin evolved into the Ship Hydrodynamics Laboratory, equipped with advanced instrumentation. This transformation coincided with a national resurgence in science and engineering, reflected in generous financial backing for our department. engineering.

Richard B. Couch bent over a work desk in an office setting with a few papers and books open on the desk. There are various drafting tools laid on the desk. In the background, there are many framed photos of boats and ships along a white cinderblock wall and a framed photo of Couch's family in the left corner. Couch is wearing a light button-up shirt with a dark striped tie, dark pants, clear glasses, and a watch on his left hand.

T. Francis Ogilvie is wearing a checkered shirt and dark pants while holding two model propellers. In Ogilvie's right hand is a four-bladed model propeller, and in his left is a six-bladed model propeller. Above Ogilvie's head is a cabinet filled with various shapes and sizes of model propellers, neatly arranged and labeled. Beneath the cabinet, on the wall are many different lengths of model propeller shafts.

1977

Under the guidance of Chair T. Francis Ogilvie, we moved to our current location on North Campus. This relocation allowed us to continue our research and educational endeavors while preserving the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory, previously known as the Ship Hydrodynamics Laboratory, on Central Campus in West Hall. Over the years, we have conducted extensive experimental programs and refurbished our towing tank in 2006 to ensure our facilities remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

2018

We celebrated a significant milestone as the Aaron Friedman Marine Hydrodynamics Lab. This transformation was made possible through the generous support of Aaron Friedman, an esteemed alumnus from the class of 1943. The lab underwent renovations aimed at creating open, flexible, and collaborative workspaces that engage with the surrounding campus. With updated interiors, versatile offices, an upgraded student computer lab, and a dedication to inclusivity, we strive to provide an inspiring environment for our students and researchers.

A young person stands straight and is looking at the MHL display cases with many people conversing behind them. They are wearing a floral blouse and a green backpack. Inside the cases are papers and posters detailing Aaron Friedman's life experiences.

Couch Carriage dedication plaque reading 'Couch Carriage - Gift of John C. Couch (BSE NAME '63, MSE NAME '64) - In honor of his father Richard B. Couch - Chair, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (1957-1967) - April 2024'

2024

In 2024, The Aaron Friedman Marine Hydrodynamics Lab towing tank carriage, now known as the Couch Carriage, has undergone a significant upgrade, thanks to a generous donation by John Couch in memory of his father, Richard B. Couch, a former chair and long-time supporter of the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Department. The upgrade addressed operational outages by replacing the outdated control system and implementing a new, industry-standard programmable logic controller (PLC), enhancing maintainability, upgradability, and safety. The drive system was also modernized, with new equipment. The advanced system now ensures a smooth operation of the towing tank and sets the stage for continued maritime innovation.