T HE AL F RED C . G L A S S E L L J R . SUSTAI N L A B O R AT O RY
A Multifaceted Wind-Wave-Storm Simulator
A U N I Q U E R ES OU R C E FOR S C I E N T I F I C ST U D IE S A N D CO M M E R C I A L A P P LIC AT ION S The Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. SUSTAIN Laboratory (SUrge-STructure-Atmosphere INteraction) is a unique resource for studying the complex air-sea interactions of wind, waves and shorelines, including: • Understanding hurricane rapid intensification and storm surges • Wave dynamics • Modeling extreme weather conditions • Designing and testing materials and structures for coastal construction
This powerful wind-wave tank at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science can create category 5 hurricane force winds of up to 155 mph enclosed in clear acrylic so that water and wind actions can be monitored in a 3-D environment. Researchers, engineers and students interested in the atmospheric and ocean sciences benefit from the SUSTAIN laboratory’s capabilities to simulate a wide range of conditions in a controlled setting. It is an ideal platform for testing scientific instruments, new materials, and commercial products designed for coastal water, atmospheric or land environments. Due to its acrylic construction and elevated placement SUSTAIN is uniquely suited for imaging and visualization applications.
A BO UT T H E A L F R ED C . G LA S S E LL J R . S U S TA I N LA B O R ATORY
• Elevated to 15’ (4.5 m) above grade to protect against storm surge flooding • Supplied with flowing filtered seawater or freshwater • Able to generate directional waves combined with direct wind forcing • Scaling allows for modeling a category 5 hurricane • Constructed of acrylic material • Innovative optical measurements and flow visualization • Total dimensions: 23-m long x 6-m wide x 2-m high • Sloping beach with a 1-m horizontal section • Electrical and computer laboratories • Specimen fabrication shop • Roll-up entrance door and overhead hoist for large-scale test and monitoring equipment Note: A first generation wind-wave tank, ASIST, Air-Sea Interaction Saltwater Tank (15x1x1-m) is available for smaller-scale studies.
M AK I NG AN IMPACT With its 38,000-gallon (143 cubic meter) seawater capacity, the SUSTAIN Laboratory offers the largest three-dimensional, controllable air-water test environment readily available for scientific studies and commercial projects. It supports fundamental studies on air-sea interactions, wave dynamics, and boundary layer turbulence, while providing an experimental test-bed for model development. Since opening in 2014 with a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and private philanthropic donors, the Rosenstiel School’s SUSTAIN Laboratory has contributed to studies in a wide range of fields, including: • Coastal wind fields • Wave modeling • Hurricane rapid-intensification studies • Protective storm surge barriers • Sea spray generation • Harmful algal blooms • Rogue waves • Oceanographic instrumentation-drifters • Oceanographic imaging applications • Surface oil spill transport • Carbon dioxide transfer • Coral reef restoration and hybrid coral/break water structures • Extraction of design loads on residential and commercial structures, bridges etc. • Hurricane re-enactments for documentary and commercial productions
T R AIN I NG THE NEXT G EN ERAT ION
Students at the Rosenstiel School can take advantage of the many research opportunities associated with the SUSTAIN Laboratory. They take part in atmospheric and ocean research projects with experienced faculty members. Undergraduate and graduate students gain the skills and knowledge for successful academic, engineering and business careers. “The SUSTAIN Laboratory makes it possible for us to do research right where the atmosphere and the ocean meet. We are at the leading edge of science.� Roni Avissar, Ph.D., Dean of the Rosenstiel School
For more information, visit www.sustain.rsmas.miami.edu Brian K. Haus , Ph.D. Professor and Chair, Department of Ocean Sciences Director, Alfred C. Glassell Jr. SUSTAIN Laboratory University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway Miami, FL 33149 305.421.4932 bhaus@rsmas.miami.edu rsmas.miami.edu