David Taylor Model Basin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Taylor, David W., Model Basin
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bounded by MacArthur Blvd. and Clara Barton Pkwy., Bethesda, Maryland |
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| Area | 32 acres (13 ha) |
| Built | 1938 |
| Built by | Turner Construction Co. |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003231 |
| Added to NRHP | October 17, 1985 |
The David Taylor Model Basin (DTMB) is a huge testing center. It's one of the biggest places in the world where engineers test models of ships. They do this to help design new ships for the United States Navy. DTMB is part of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division.
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What is the David Taylor Model Basin?
The David Taylor Model Basin, or DTMB, is a special facility. It has very long pools of water, like giant swimming lanes. Engineers use these pools to test small models of ships. They can see how different ship designs will work in the water. This helps them make sure real ships are fast, stable, and safe.
Why are ship models tested?
Testing ship models is super important. It helps engineers find the best shape for a ship's hull. They can also test how a ship will move in different kinds of waves. This saves a lot of time and money before building a full-sized ship. It also makes sure the ships are very good at their job.
History of the Model Basin
The idea for the David Taylor Model Basin started a long time ago.
Early testing facilities
In 1896, a smart engineer named David Watson Taylor designed a test pool. It was built at the Washington Navy Yard. At that time, it was the best place in the world for testing ship models. This facility was very important for designing ships before and during World War I.
Building a new, bigger basin
After a while, the old facility wasn't big enough. So, the Navy decided to build a brand new, larger one. This new facility was named after David Taylor. It was built in 1939 in Carderock, Maryland, near Bethesda, Maryland. The Carderock facility has many different test pools. Each pool is designed for different kinds of tests. For over 70 years, DTMB has helped shape how naval ships are designed.
How does the Model Basin work?
The David Taylor Model Basin has several different sections. Each section helps test ships in unique ways.
Shallow Water Basin
The Shallow Water Basin has three connected parts. There's a deep water section and a shallow water section. It also has a special J-shaped pool. This J-shaped pool is used to test how ships turn and steer. A special machine, called a carriage, can pull models through the water at speeds up to 18 knots.
Deep Water Basin
The Deep Water Basin is designed for testing in deeper water. It has a machine that can create waves at one end. At the other end, there's a "beach" that absorbs the waves. This allows engineers to test models in calm water or in rough, wavy conditions. This basin's carriage can reach speeds up to 20 knots.
High-Speed Basin
The High-Speed Basin is made for testing very fast ships. It has both a deep and a shallow water section. This basin can also make waves. What's really cool are the three large windows built into the wall. These windows are underwater at different heights. They let engineers watch the models closely as they move. The carriages in this basin can pull models at super high speeds, up to 50 knots! They can also make the models move in complex ways.
Computers at DTMB
The David Taylor Model Basin was one of the first places to use computers. It was a very active spot for new computer technology.
Early computer use
In 1959, a computer language called COBOL was created. The David Taylor Model Basin was one of only three government groups present at that meeting. They also had one of only two UNIVAC LARC computers ever built. These were very powerful computers for their time.
