Hi all,

The wave machine at the Virginia Marine Science Museum _does_ demonstrate
how the wave breaks on the shore and it is visitor activated.  A wedge
simulates the rising ocean bottom and sliding rulers and calculators are
used for various experiments and measurements on wave height, period, etc.
It is about 18 feet long and 3 feet wide.  An electric motor with an
electric clutch mechanism drives a large sheet of aluminum which acts as the
paddle.  When a button is pressed, the motor starts and runs for about 8
seconds, making waves, then stops.  The best waves are at the start of the
cycle.  Even though there is a ramp at the other end of the tank, there is
some reflection and the latter waves turn to mush, so this would be
something to consider in a new design.

When I left VMSM, we were considering design modifications which would
increase the visitor interaction such as making the wedge height adjustable
and allowing the motor to be timed to create a single wave and control the
wave interval.  We were also looking at baffle designs for the far end to
eliminate the reflection problem.

Ahhh... this brings back memories of the fun days I had scraping the mineral
deposits off the indides of the glass walls with razor blades, and acrylic
polish (Novus 2 has enough grit in it to buff out the deposits without
scratching the glass which is possible if you don't handle the razor blade
well).

Mark C. Vang
Freya Ventures
[log in to unmask]    :    Phone:  (757) 340-0099   :  Fax:  (757)
340-0888
* Interactive exhibits for museums, science centers, aquariums and zoos. *