AMC hydrodynamic facilities reafirm international reputation

The Australian Maritime College’s international reputation has just been bolstered thanks to its hydrodynamics test facilities.

Head of the Australian Maritime Hydrodynamics Research Centre, Professor Neil Bose, said the AMC had been granted membership to the Advisory Council of the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) at its gathering in Fukuoka, Japan, in September. Prof. Bose now sits on the council with more than 30 other organisations, representing the world’s leading towing tanks.

The full recognition by the ITTC of AMC’s contribution to hydrodynamics came mainly as a result of commercial work undertaken.

“Since our facilities were upgraded over the last five years and the towing tank was extended to 100m, it means we have a substantial test capability. But what really makes us eligible for ITTC Advisory Council membership is the fact that we do about half a million dollars worth of commercial work for industrial clients each year and a similar value for government research labs. On top of that we have our research programs,” Prof. Bose said

“Membership is important because it means you are one of the group of recognised tanks doing commercial work in the world. “

But importance also stemmed from the research undertaken by ITTC technical committees, he said.

AMC was successful in gaining two technical committee appointments, meaning it is now heavily represented in the international body. While AMC’s towing tank manager Gregor Macfarlane stepped down from his three year appointment to the resistance committee, Professor Martin Renilson was appointed chair of the Stability in Waves committee and Dr Giles Thomas joined the High Speed Craft committee.

Prof. Bose said the committees would now undertake research in their respective areas before reporting back to the next ITTC to be held in Rio de Janeiro in September 2011.

Information released by:
Media Office
Australian Maritime College
Phone: 6335 4484
Mobile: 0429 117 000
Email: p.cranny@amc.edu.au