MODEL MATERIAL AND

FABRICATION
Prof. V G Idichandy
Dept of Ocean Engineering
IIT Madras

Requirements of models tested in

water
Water proofing of model and
instrumentation
Commonly used model materials are:
Wood
Fiber reinforced plastics
Plastics
Metals
Concrete, etc.

Selection of model material

The size of the model and model material
are decided based on several practical
considerations
Characteristics of test facilities
Available standard sizes of plates,
pipes and other sections
The weight of the model

Properties of model materials

For an elastic model, the material should
have,
Homogeneity
Isotropy,
Linear stress-strain relationship and
An invariant Poissons ratio

Model materials

Materials with high and low elastic modulus

Poissons ratio
Creep and thermal conductivity
Workability
When there is complex geometry and irregular
shape, an easily workable material will be the
choice.
For shape models a good workable material
which can with stand the prolonged exposure to
water is preferred.

Metals
High accuracy
Satisfies most of the model requirements
Easily workable and available in various
shapes and forms
Aluminium or its alloys are preferred
Best material for hydrodynamic models, if
weight distribution can be satisfied

Plastics
Derived by chemical synthesis-contains carbon
compounds
Thermoplastics-becomes softer beyond glass
transition temperature-can be formed in to
complex shapes and geometries-retains shape
on cooling-a good mould is required-examples
are acrylic resins (perspex) and poly vinyl
chloride (pvc)-available in sheets, tubes, rodscan be machined and joined

Plastics
Thermosetting plastics-usually cast into
shape-accurate moulds are requiredphysical properties can be changes by
using suitable fillers-Epoxies are typical
examples.
Fiber reinforced plastics-used in making
very complex models
Plastics are viscoelastic materials. Care
must be taken in strain measurements

Wood
Ideally suited for shape models being
workable
Absorbs moisture
Wax coating or suitable epoxy coating is
used to prevent water ingression

Polyurethane Foam
Can be easily finished to the required
shape and sizes.
Available in slabs-can be machined like
any other material
When used in water it requires surface
treatment to prevent water ingression

Fabrication of Wood Models

Laminated wood block-each laminate is
cut along the water plane lines
The final shape is achieved by removing
excess material by planning, shaving and
scraping
Numerically controlled machines are
increasingly used in model making

Fabrication of Wood Models

No metallic fasteners
Final finishing by hand
Templates used to check final dimensions
Several coats of penetrating wood sealer
is used both inside and outside the model
Final finish using epoxy water-resistant
paint

Fiberglass models
Preparation of accurate mould
Fiberglass is applied on the mould by hand layup
Several layers of fiberglass may be required for
the required strength. Each layer is coated with
binder usually an epoxy
Mould is made by spraying polyurethane foam
to the prepared skeleton of templates
Excess form is removed till the edge of the
templates are visible

Plastic Models
By joining machined components
Joining is done by capillary welding or
using glues and adhesives
Plastic welding
Thermal forming of plastics
Drape moulding