Physical Modelling in Towing Tank Course
Online 300-hour course in physical modelling in towing tank. 6 modules covering ITTC 7.5-02-02-01 Resistance Test, ITTC 7.5-02-03-01.1 Propulsion/Bollard Pull Test and NI LabVIEW. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Apply similarity laws to the design of model tests.
Specify the construction and ballasting of ship models.
Carry out resistance and self-propulsion tests in the towing tank.
Carry out manoeuvrability and seakeeping tests.
Use flow visualisation and measurement techniques.
Extrapolate results to full scale using the ITTC 1978 method.
Plan a complete towing tank test.
Who it's for
- Towing tank engineer who wants to specialise in Physical Modelling in Towing Tank.
- Model construction technician who wants to specialise in Physical Modelling in Towing Tank.
- Hydrodynamics engineer who wants to specialise in Physical Modelling in Towing Tank.
- Experimental testing manager who wants to specialise in Physical Modelling in Towing Tank.
- Naval hydrodynamics researcher who wants to specialise in Physical Modelling in Towing Tank.
- Shipyard project engineer who wants to specialise in Physical Modelling in Towing Tank.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter hydrodynamic towing tanks.
What you'll work with
- ITTC 7.5-02-02-01 Resistance Test
- ITTC 7.5-02-03-01.1 Propulsion/Bollard Pull Test
- ITTC 7.5-02-03-01.4 1978 ITTC Performance Prediction Method
- ITTC 7.5-01-01-01 Ship Models
- ITTC 7.5-02-06-02 Captive Model Test
- ITTC 7.5-02-07-02.1 Seakeeping Experiments
- ISO/IEC 17025 Competence of testing and calibration laboratories
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Dimensional analysis and the Pi theorem1.2Froude and Reynolds similarity1.3Scale conflict and solutions1.4Turbulence stimulators on models1.5Form factors and model–ship correlation1.6Scale effects on the wake1.7Optimum model size and blockage1.8Wall-effect correction1.9Roughness scaling1.10Case study: choosing a scale for a test
2.1Materials: wood, foam and composite2.2CNC milling of hull forms2.3Geometric tolerances of models2.4Ballasting and inertia adjustment2.5Fitting appendages and stock propellers2.6Flow paint and line marking2.7Measuring the final geometry2.8Checking draughts and radii of gyration2.9Maintenance and storage of models2.10Workshop: ballasting a model to design draught
3.1Towing carriage and dynamometers3.2Calm-water resistance test3.3Propeller open-water test3.4Self-propulsion test: continental and British methods3.5Nominal wake measurement with Pitot tubes3.6Dynamic trim and sinkage3.7ITTC 1978 prediction method3.8Roughness and air correction3.9Shallow-water tests3.10Practice: extrapolating resistance to the full-scale ship
4.1Free-running model tests: turning and zigzag4.2Captive tests with PMM4.3Rotating arm and turning derivatives4.4Seakeeping tests in regular waves4.5Added resistance in waves4.6Intact stability and dynamic loss tests4.7Escort towing tests4.8Tests with offshore structure models4.9Data quality control4.10Laboratory: identifying derivatives from PMM
5.1Wool tufts and surface paint5.2Particle image velocimetry (PIV)5.3LDV for point velocity measurements5.4Wave train measurement5.5Free-surface photogrammetry5.6Thermography for boundary layer transition5.7Instrumented pressure models5.8Integration with CFD results5.9Hybrid numerical–experimental tests5.10Case study: wake measured with stereoscopic PIV
6.1Definition of the ship and test objective6.2Scale and model dimension calculation6.3Model construction specification6.4Resistance and propulsion test matrix6.5Measurement procedure and calibrations6.6Data analysis and extrapolation6.7Uncertainty estimation6.8Full-scale power prediction6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is NI LabVIEW, MATLAB, Rhinoceros 3D, DaVis (LaVision), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for resistance and self-propulsion testing with a towing carriage, captive tests with PMM and wake measurement with PIV. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Apply similarity laws to the design of model tests.
Specify the construction and ballasting of ship models.
Carry out resistance and self-propulsion tests in the towing tank.
Carry out manoeuvrability and seakeeping tests.
Use flow visualisation and measurement techniques.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses NI LabVIEW, MATLAB, Rhinoceros 3D and DaVis (LaVision). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area count towards the higher-level programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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