Admiralty Research Laboratory facts for kids
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| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1921 |
| Preceding Department |
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| Dissolved | 1977 |
| Superseding agency |
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| Jurisdiction | Government of the United Kingdom |
| Headquarters | Admiralty Building Whitehall London |
| Parent Department | Admiralty, Ministry of Defence |
The Admiralty Research Laboratory (ARL) was a special science center in Teddington, London, England. From 1921 to 1977, it helped the British Admiralty with important research. The Admiralty was the part of the UK government that managed the Royal Navy.
How it Started
During World War I, the British Navy needed new ways to find enemy submarines. So, the Anti-Submarine Division of the Admiralty set up several experimental stations. These stations were in places like Hawkcraig, Parkeston Quay, Dartmouth, and Wemyss Bay. They worked hard to develop methods for detecting submarines underwater.
Another station was at Shandon. This one worked with special committees from Lancashire and the Clyde. In 1921, this Shandon station moved to Teddington. When it moved, it became the Admiralty Research Laboratory.
What They Studied
The ARL's main goal was to do scientific research for the Royal Navy. Over time, their research areas grew a lot.
They studied oceanography, which is the science of the oceans. For a few years, from 1949 to 1953, the National Institute of Oceanography was even based there.
The ARL also looked into electromagnetics. This included a technique called degaussing. Degaussing helps to make ships less magnetic. This makes them harder for magnetic mines to detect.
Other important research areas included:
- Underwater ballistics (how things move underwater, like torpedoes)
- Visual aids (things that help people see better)
- Acoustics (the science of sound, especially underwater sound)
- Infra-red radiation (a type of light we can't see)
- Photography and ways to measure things accurately
The laboratory moved to Teddington, which is southwest of London. This move was helpful because it meant the ARL could work closely with the National Physical Laboratory. This allowed them to share knowledge and expertise.
Famous Scientists at ARL
Many talented people worked at the Admiralty Research Laboratory. Here are some of them:
- Francis Crick (from 1940–1947) helped design special magnetic and acoustic mines. He later became famous for discovering the structure of DNA.
- Martin Beale (from 1951–1960) created new ways to solve complex math problems, called mathematical optimisation.
- Edward Lee
- Jack Good (1959–1962)
- R. V. Jones (1938–1939)
- Charles Drysdale was the superintendent, or head, of the lab from 1921 to 1929.
- Cyril Hilsum (1947–1950)
- Alister Watson (1940s–1965)
- Peter Wright worked there during World War II. He was an expert in degaussing ships.
- Albert Beaumont Wood
