Rapid prototyping of flexible models - a new methods for model testing?

To date hydroelastic towing tank models are generally segmented, flexible backbone or hinged models which provide an extremely limited representation of the ship structure and record loads only at a finite number of locations between segments. Fully flexible “hydro-structural” models, whilst providing a more accurate structural representation are rarely used due to expense and the complicated nature of their construction. Rapid prototyping is a powerful tool the potential of which is yet to be exploited in the marine industry. By using it to manufacture a realistic ship structure from materials of different properties, new model manufacturing paradigms may be explored. The focus of this paper is the initial findings from an investigation of the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies for manufacturing structurally accurate flexible towing tank models. A detailed assessment is carried out of the material properties of 3D printed materials and their ability to model the scaled structural behaviour of a ship. Scaling implications when considering the realistic ship structure are presented and practical considerations for the construction of 3D printed towing tank models are discussed.