Engineering Consultants to the Maritime Sector and Fluid Dynamics Experts
The Wolfson Unit has provided testing and consultancy for ventures in the maritime engineering, naval architecture, yacht design, offshore, sports, aerospace and defence industries since 1967.
Our role is to provide bespoke engineering consultancy with access to world class experimental facilities and simulation tools so that you can progress your project, fast.
Why choose Wolfson?
Our Services
Explore our comprehensive marine technology and industrial aerodynamic services to find out how we can enhance your next project.
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Model Basin and Towing Tank Testing
Traditional towing tank experiments, model basin testing, flow visualisation and analysis, wake surveys and bespoke testing for the offshore and renewables sector.
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Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Consultancy
We provide computational fluid dynamics consultancy for complex hydrodynamic and aerodynamic engineering problems, complementing our experimental testing services.
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Wind Tunnel Testing
The Wolfson Unit offers several wind tunnel experiment services including: measurement of aerodynamic forces and moments, flow visualisation and other measurement techniques (e.g. LDA and PIV).
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Wind Assisted Shipping
Tailored packages to test and evaluate wind assisted technologies.
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Marine Consultancy
Stability booklets, inclining experiments, ship powering, propeller sizing, yacht performance prediction, hull lines measurement and ships lines generation.
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Product Development
Dynamometers, custom force and torque sensors, electro-mechanical systems and outboard thrust meters.
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Vessel Safety
Stability assessments, model testing and research, accident investigation, safety guidance and the Wolfson method.
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Expert Witness
Independent, unbiased analysis for accident investigations and engineering disputes.
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Full Scale Trials and Instrumentation
Measurements of vessel while completing sea trials. 6 axis motions, forces, moments, accelerations, temperatures, pressures, and engine data.
Take a look at our software
Who we work with
Our Facilities
Our location on the south coast of England gives us easy access to some world leading facilities. Using state of the art, research level equipment, we deliver exceptional results for our customers.
Model Basins
Towing Tanks and Ocean Basins for model ships and offshore structure testing.
Wind Tunnels
We use Wind Tunnels to test the aerodynamic performance of models.
CFD Capability
The powerful Iridis Super Computer enables us to conduct complex analyses.
“We have been working with the Wolfson Unit for around 30 years, and they are our number one go-to whenever a project requires testing.
What keeps us coming back is the exceptional knowledge and experience of their staff. They combine deep technical expertise with genuine practical insight, so we don’t just get results, we get sound, well-informed advice on what those results mean for our project. Equally valuable is their flexibility and pragmatic, no-nonsense approach.
They take the time to understand what we actually need, adapt quickly when requirements change, without unnecessary complexity or delay. That combination has made a real difference to the success of our projects over many years.
We would not hesitate to recommend the Wolfson Unit to anyone looking for a trusted, long-term testing partner.”
Perry Van Oossanen
Van Oossanen Naval Architects
The latest from the Wolfson Unit
See more of our projects and insight on our Linkedin
Introducing Hullscant Multihull
The Wolfson Unit has recently launched a multihull module to its popular Hullscant structural scantlings software package. Where the original Hullscant module assessed against the 12215-5 :2019 ISO standard, this new module assesses against the 12215-7:2020 ISO standard, covering sailing and motor multihulls.
Early sales show there is definitely a demand for software covering part 7 of the standard, with the software speeding up the process of going from hull surface files with defined panels to structural assessment for the Recreational Craft Directive, this is supported by various notified bodies that accept Hullscant files directly as part of the certification process.
Hullscant modules for other parts of ISO12215 are in software development, so there are more to follow.
If you are interested in multihull or other modules please find info at: Hull and Scantlings Design
Or contact us at wumtia@soton.ac.uk
New Azipods From The Wolfson Unit
The Wolfson Unit presents a versatile azimuthing thruster base package for use in self-propelled model testing where analysis of the manoeuvring characteristics is required.
Key features are:
• Compact leg and gearbox
• Adjustable vertical immersion
• Compact size allows propeller diameter sizing over a large range
• Robust, simple to fit and commission into a model
• Powerful sensored brushless motor for accurate control of RPM
• Standard NEMA 23 stepper motor for control of azimuthing angle
• Full 360 degree rotation (single turn in opposed directions)
• Full waterproof sealing at thruster / hull boundary
Specifications can be found on our products page.
