Sea State Simulator Systems
Testing marine equipment in real ocean environments is costly, unpredictable and difficult to control. Servos & Simulator Sea State Simulation Systems use motion platforms and software to replicate ocean wave motion in a controlled, repeatable setting, so equipment intended for seaborne use can be tested and validated before it ever leaves the lab.
Matching the Sea State Simulator System to the Mission
No two sea state requirements are the same. The motion your equipment sees depends on the sea state itself, plus the vessel’s speed and heading relative to the waves, its size and hull form, and where the equipment is mounted on board. A sensor mast high on a fast patrol craft sees very different motion than a deck-mounted system on a large ship in the same seas.
That’s why we size every sea state simulator system to the mission:
- Standard 6DOF: the right fit for most sea state profiles that need realistic roll, pitch and heave.
- Standard 7DOF: adds an extra axis for continuous heading change or extended motion in one direction.
- High Angle 6 or 7DOF System: for extreme roll and pitch angles beyond what a standard platform can reach.
- Our other platforms can do sea state… just ask!
Tell us your vessel, operating speed and sea state profile, and our engineers will recommend the platform and motion envelope you need.
Where Sea State Simulation Is Used
- Shipboard sensor and antenna testing: transmitting and receiving systems, navigation and communication equipment. See our page on antenna testing motion bases.
- Naval and defense systems: shipboard electronics validation and sensor and control system stability testing, which also supports naval trainers.
- Research and laboratory testing: maritime system design and evaluation, and environmental simulation testing.
Sea State Profile Software
Our Sea State Profile Software generates motion patterns (sine-waves) that replicate ocean wave conditions, up to Sea State Level 6, depending on system capability. It outputs motion commands based on sea condition parameters and works with servo-loop driven motion platforms. The motion system must be capable of the required motion range, speed and dynamics.
Custom Engineering
Every project is different. Our simulation engineering services cover motion platform design from 2DOF through 7DOF configurations, servo system integration, motion control software and system integration, including maritime and sea state simulation. Six-axis platforms can be customized for payload capacity, platform dimensions, control system configuration and motion profiles.
Sea State Simulation FAQ
It is the use of a motion platform and software to replicate ocean wave motion, including roll, pitch and heave, for testing and validating equipment.
Sea State Profile Software can simulate conditions up to Sea State Level 6, provided the motion system can achieve the required motion range, speed and dynamics.
The software works with servo-loop driven, multi-axis motion platforms. Performance depends on platform capability, payload characteristics and system configuration, but it will work with our entire motion base platform line.
Simulation provides consistent, repeatable motion scenarios and removes the variability found in real-world testing.
Need maritime motion simulation capabilities?
Tell us about your payload and test requirements and we will help you build a controlled, repeatable marine testing environment.