Development of a Simple Transducer for Measuring Forces on Existing Structures at Sea

A joint venture between the National Maritime Institute UK and the British Hovercraft Corporation Ltd UK has developed and tested a new type of transducer for measuring forces due to waves experienced by cylindrical structures at sea. The transducer comprises eight air filled cells arranged symmetrically about the structure and enclosed in a rigid outer shell which is subjected to the wave forces. Successful tests have been made on small laboratory scale models investigating effects of static and dynamic loading. Subsequently a larger version was constructed and tested in the random sea environment. This paper briefly indicates work performed on the laboratory scale models and more fully describes the satisfactory calibration and trials of the larger version.