Contact: John Varrasi
Phone: 212-705-8158
Email: [email protected]
A facility used to test the sea-keeping qualities of ships and submarines has been cited for historical significance by ASME International (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).
The David Taylor Model Basin was designated a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark at a ceremony held Jan. 30, 1998 at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Bethesda, Md., site of the facility.
According to the SocietyÃs History and Heritage Committee, the David Taylor Model Basin has provided key support in the development of ships and crafts for the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and maritime industry.
Stretching 3,200 feet along the Anacostia River in Bethesda, the David Taylor Model Basin is a complex of three water basins together with tanks, tunnels and water channels. Using sophisticated equipment to produce waves and simulate other conditions of the ocean environment, engineers and ship builders can test the sea-keeping qualities and propulsion characteristics of their model designs.
Based on the analysis of a modelÃs performance in the tests, engineers can incorporate certain design improvements, ultimately creating a vessel able to stand up to the rigors of regular use in harsh environments.
The facility was originally built in 1896 and redesigned and upgraded in 1939 to allow for accurate and reliable tests on a growing fleet of Navy and maritime craft. The David Taylor Model Basin is operational today.
ASME has designated 196 historic mechanical engineering landmarks around the world, each one of them an example of technical achievement and significance. Other landmarks include the Saturn V rocket and Bay Area Rapid Transit rail system.
The 125,000-member ASME International is a worldwide engineering society focused on technical, educational and research issues. It conducts one of the worldÃs largest technical publishing operations, holds some 30 technical conferences and 200 professional development courses each year, and sets many industrial and manufacturing standards.
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