Ship shaker

摘要

It can go any which way, and at immense speeds. Mirek Kaminski, Professor of Ship and Offshore Structures, wants to use his hexapod to accelerate research into how floating constructions are affected by years of exposure to waves. In just one month, Kaminski is able to reveal symptoms of fatigue that normally only become apparent in welded ship constructions after twenty years. Measuring 6×6×3 metres, the hexapod fills an entire room. Objects of approximately 1 cubic metre fit inside the machine. And with six cylinders, it can move in all directions. It can also glide, push and twist, the hexapod can generate all feasible forces,' explains Kaminski. The specifications are pretty impressive. 'It is a monster machine. And extremely accurate. It can create 100 tonnes of force, but we can also determine the position of the cylinders down to two micrometres.' In February, the machine will be installed in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences building.