Test apparatus and test method for simulating sea wave erosion environment

Abstract

A test apparatus and test method for simulating a sea wave erosion environment. The test apparatus comprises: a tank configured to contain seawater and test specimens, and having a sealed structure; an agitator blade, configured to agitate the seawater in the tank to generate simulated waves, and provided at an inner bottom of the tank, wherein one end of a driving shaft driving the agitator blade extends out of the tank and is connected to an output end of a driving apparatus; and a support, configured to secure the test specimens, provided in the tank, located above the agitator blade, and provided with a water-passing passage. The test apparatus and test method can simulate the actual wave impact effect and seawater splashing effect. The height of the seawater level in the tank can be adjusted to achieve the actual effects of a fully submerged zone, a simulated tidal zone, and a splash zone. The driving apparatus is provided outside the tank and is not affected by the seawater.

Description

An experimental apparatus and method for simulating wave erosion environment Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of environmental testing and observation technology, and in particular to a test apparatus and test method for simulating ocean wave erosion environment. Background Technology

[0002] Seawater is a highly complex, multi-component aqueous solution containing a large amount of dissolved inorganic salts, organic matter, and microorganisms that secrete acidic substances. Therefore, marine equipment in operation is subject to electrochemical corrosion and microbial erosion. Furthermore, the waves created by rising and falling tides exert mechanical impact on the equipment, and the seawater splashed onto it, along with oxygen from the air, further corrodes the equipment. The installation area for marine equipment can be subdivided into the full immersion zone, the tidal zone, and the splash zone. The full immersion zone refers to the portion of the equipment that is constantly submerged in seawater. Corrosion in this area is affected by dissolved oxygen levels, salt concentration, current velocity, water temperature, marine organisms, pH value, and quicksand. The tidal zone is the portion submerged at high tide and above the waterline at low tide. Theoretically, due to uneven oxygen supply at sea level, a concentration gradient is created above and below the waterline, forming a large oxygen concentration cell. The portion above and below the waterline receives the most oxygen, thus acting as a cathodic protection with less corrosion. The portion directly below the waterline acts as an anode, experiencing extremely severe corrosion. The splash zone generally refers to the area 0-2 meters above sea level, which is frequently impacted by seawater spray. Because the oxygen supply in the splash zone is abundant, the depolarization effect of oxygen promotes metal corrosion. Simultaneously, the impact of wave spray can severely damage the protective layer on the surface of marine equipment. Therefore, the splash zone is the most severely corroded area. Consequently, seawater immersion testing of marine equipment is an indispensable part of its design and manufacturing.

[0003] The inventors are aware that current main methods for seawater corrosion testing of marine equipment include the wet-dry alternation test and the periodic spray cyclic corrosion test. The wet-dry alternation test involves setting up a seawater container with an open top and arranging a set of rotating crankshafts parallel to each other near the water-air interface. When the crankshafts are rotated by a motor, the test specimens fixed on both sides of the crankshaft experience vertical displacement relative to the water surface, resulting in alternating wet-dry states of seawater immersion and air exposure, leading to corrosion. The wet-dry alternation test, by rotating the crankshaft to alternate between these two states, makes it difficult to create a splashing effect at low crankshaft speeds, while excessively high crankshaft speeds wash away corrosion products, hindering the formation of a corrosion layer in long-term corrosion tests. Furthermore, the open top of the container allows for a large surface area for seawater evaporation, which not only corrodes the sample but also significantly impacts adjacent components such as the motor, transmission gears, and control switches. Therefore, these parts must utilize materials and devices with excellent weather resistance. The cyclic spray corrosion test method involves setting up a container filled with seawater, along with connecting pipes, a seawater pump, spray heads, valves, and a seawater recovery system. By setting a timed switch, seawater is intermittently sprayed onto the test specimen, subjecting it to alternating wet and dry conditions, thus inducing corrosion. While the cyclic spray corrosion test method uses intermittent spraying to maintain this wet-dry cycle, the longer drying time prolongs the overall test period. Furthermore, the salt spray produced by the spray has a uniform particle size, which does not match the varying sizes of fine droplets formed by actual wave splashing. Although the seawater container is sealed, the pipes, seawater pump, spray heads, valves, and seawater recovery system are all in direct contact with seawater, making the seawater corrosion resistant design complex. Weather resistance is directly correlated with price; higher weather resistance requirements result in higher costs.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a test device and test method that can accurately simulate the seawater conditions in the tidal zone and splash zone, reproduce the real seawater corrosion environment, improve test reliability, and reduce test costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a test device that simulates the erosion environment of ocean waves, thereby solving the problems existing in the prior art and reproducing the realistic effects of wave impact and seawater splashing. The seawater level inside the tank can be adjusted to achieve the effects of a realistic full immersion zone, a simulated tidal zone, and a splash zone. The drive device is located on the outside of the tank and is not affected by seawater.

[0006] The present invention also provides an experimental apparatus for simulating a wave erosion environment, comprising:

[0007] The container is used to hold seawater and samples, and the container is a sealed structure.

[0008] A stirring blade is used to stir the seawater in the tank to generate simulated ocean waves. The stirring blade is located at the bottom of the tank. One end of the drive shaft that drives the stirring blade extends out of the tank and is connected to the output end of the drive device.

[0009] A bracket for fixing the sample is disposed inside the box and above the stirring blade. The bracket is provided with a water-permeable channel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing is provided with a flange for fixing the bracket.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing includes a removable top cover.

[0012] In one embodiment, the housing includes a lower housing and an upper housing, the top of the lower housing is connected to the bottom of the upper housing, the stirring blade is disposed at the inner bottom of the lower housing, and the bracket is disposed in the upper housing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the bottom surface dimension of the upper box is larger than the bottom surface area of ​​the lower box.

[0014] [Correction 11.06.2025 based on Rule 91] In one embodiment, the bottom dimension of the upper box is smaller than the bottom area of ​​the lower box.

[0015] In one embodiment, the drive device includes an electric motor, the output of which is connected to one end of the drive shaft extending out of the housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, the drive device is disposed below the outer surface of the housing, and the drive shaft extends downward from the housing.

[0017] In one embodiment, the drive device is disposed above the housing body, and the drive shaft extends upward from the housing body.

[0018] In one embodiment, the box is a transparent box.

[0019] In one embodiment, the driving device is disposed on the upper outer side of the housing, and a housing rotation platform is disposed on the lower outer side of the housing. The housing is rotatably connected to the housing rotation platform via a rotating shaft.

[0020] In one embodiment, the bracket is a frame structure, and the hollowed-out positions within the frame structure are the water-permeable channels.

[0021] In one embodiment, the bracket is a ceramic bracket.

[0022] The present invention also provides a test method for simulating a wave erosion environment, which, based on the above-mentioned test apparatus for simulating a wave erosion environment, includes the following steps:

[0023] S1. Fix the sample onto the bracket;

[0024] S2. Add seawater into the tank, and stop adding seawater when the seawater level reaches the designated position;

[0025] S3. Start the drive device to create simulated ocean waves inside the box.

[0026] [Correction 11.06.2025 according to Rule 91] In one embodiment, step S2 further includes adding mud and sand into the box (1).

[0027] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0028] This invention provides a test apparatus for simulating the erosion environment of ocean waves. Seawater and a sample are placed inside a sealed chamber, and a stirring paddle is used to create simulated ocean waves, reproducing the realistic impact and splashing effects of ocean waves. The seawater level inside the chamber can be adjusted, allowing the sample to be partially, completely, or absently submerged in seawater, achieving realistic splash zones, tidal zones, and full immersion zones, or combinations thereof. The drive unit is located outside the chamber, with only a portion of the drive shaft inside, ensuring the drive unit is unaffected by the seawater.

[0029] The present invention also provides a test method for simulating the erosion environment of ocean waves. The technical effects of the test device for simulating the erosion environment of ocean waves described above will not be elaborated further.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the present invention also achieves the following technical effects:

[0031] 1. In this invention, the top of the box is provided with a detachable top cover. After removing the top cover, the bracket, sample, seawater and other devices or test materials can be put into the top of the box, which is convenient and reliable.

[0032] 2. In this invention, the box is divided into two parts: an upper box and a lower box. The bottom surface of the upper box and the top surface of the lower box are connected. The impact and splashing area of ​​simulated ocean waves can be adjusted by changing the bottom surface size of the upper box and the top surface size of the lower box. When conducting multi-sample tests, the test conditions of different samples can be controlled to form a control.

[0033] 3. In this invention, the drive device can be set at the lower outer part of the box, which greatly shortens the length of the drive shaft submerged in seawater, reduces drive shaft wear, and lowers test costs.

[0034] 4. The box in this invention is a transparent box, which can meet the need for real-time observation during the test, and the sample does not need to be taken out for observation until the end of the test.

[0035] 5. In this invention, a rotating platform is provided below the transparent box. The box is connected to the rotating platform via a rotating shaft. The rotation of the box can meet the needs of observing the test process from different angles. The drive device is adjusted to the upper outer part of the box, which will not affect the normal conduct of the test.

[0036] 6. The present invention can use a frame structure bracket, and the hollowed-out positions in the frame structure are water-permeable channels. The layout of the frame structure is flexible, which can form a large hollowed-out area while satisfying the need to fix the sample. The bracket itself will not obstruct the simulated wave movement, ensuring the impact effect of the simulated wave on the sample and the splashing effect of seawater. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a test device structure in an embodiment of the present invention, in which the driving device is located on the outside of the box.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a test device structure in an embodiment of the present invention, in which the driving device is disposed on the outside of the housing;

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a test device structure in an embodiment of the present invention, in which the bottom surface dimension of the upper box is larger than the top surface dimension of the lower box;

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a test device structure in an embodiment of the present invention, in which the bottom surface dimension of the upper box is smaller than the top surface dimension of the lower box;

[0042] [Correction 11.06.2025 based on Rule 91] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the bracket arrangement in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Among them, 1. Box body; 101. Lower box body; 102. Upper box body; 2. Stirring blade; 3. Drive shaft; 4. Drive device; 5. Bracket; 6. Top cover; 7. Box rotating platform; 8. Rotating shaft; 9. Sample. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., depicted in the accompanying drawings of this specification are merely for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of the invention. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effectiveness and purpose of the invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this invention. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0046] It should also be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same component or the same part.

[0047] The purpose of this invention is to provide a test apparatus for simulating the erosion environment of ocean waves, thereby solving the problems existing in the prior art. Seawater and samples are placed in a sealed chamber, and a stirring paddle is used to create simulated ocean waves, reproducing the realistic impact and splashing effects of ocean waves. The seawater level inside the chamber can be adjusted, allowing the sample to be non-contacting, partially contacting, or completely submerged in seawater, achieving realistic splash zones, tidal zones, and full immersion zones, or combinations thereof. The drive unit is located on the outside of the chamber, with only a portion of the drive shaft inside, ensuring that the drive unit is not affected by the seawater.

[0048] The present invention also provides a test method for simulating the erosion environment of ocean waves. The technical effects of the test device for simulating the erosion environment of ocean waves described above will not be elaborated further.

[0049] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the present invention provides an experimental apparatus for simulating a wave erosion environment, comprising:

[0051] The chamber 1 is a sealed structure used to hold seawater and sample 9. A stirring blade 2 is used to stir the seawater inside the chamber 1 to generate simulated ocean waves. The stirring blade 2 is located at the bottom inner part of the chamber 1, and one end of the drive shaft 3 that drives the stirring blade 2 extends out of the chamber 1 and connects to the output end of the drive device 4. A bracket 5 is used to fix the sample 9. The bracket 5 is located inside the chamber 1, above the stirring blade 2, and has water-permeable channels. Seawater is poured directly into the chamber 1, and the amount of seawater can be determined according to the scenario to be simulated. The sample 9 can be in contact with, partially in contact with, or completely submerged in seawater to simulate the splash zone, tidal zone, and full immersion zone. The working intensity of the stirring blade 2 is adjustable, capable of generating simulated ocean waves of different intensities. Under the condition of simulating the full immersion zone, the stirring blade 2 can propel the seawater to simulate the flow of water beneath the sea surface. The chamber 1 is a sealed structure, preventing seawater from evaporating outwards. The drive device 4 is located on the outside of the chamber 1, not in contact with seawater or salt vapor, and is not subject to corrosion.

[0052] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the housing 1 is provided with a flange for fixing the bracket 5.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the box 1 includes a detachable top cover 6. After removing the top cover 6, the bracket 5, sample 9, seawater and other devices or test materials can be put into the top of the box 1, which is convenient and reliable.

[0054] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the housing 1 includes a lower housing 101 and an upper housing 102. The top of the lower housing 101 is connected to the bottom of the upper housing 102. The stirring blade 2 is located at the inner bottom of the lower housing 101, and the bracket 5 is located inside the upper housing 102. The bottom surface of the upper housing 102 is connected to the top surface of the lower housing 101. The impact and splash areas of the simulated ocean waves can be adjusted by changing the dimensions of the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 and the top surface of the lower housing 101. During the test, the test conditions of different samples 9 can be controlled to form a control, or multiple samples 9 can be simultaneously exposed to simulated ocean waves of the same intensity to conduct single-intensity ocean wave tests on multiple samples 9, thereby improving the reliability of the test conclusions. The intensity of the simulated ocean waves can be changed by adjusting the output intensity of the drive device 4.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment, the bottom dimension of the upper box 102 is larger than the top dimension of the lower box 101, the simulated wave generation area is smaller than the arrangement area of ​​the sample 9, and the impact and splashing effects on different samples 9 are different, forming a control.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, in one embodiment, the bottom dimension of the upper box 102 is smaller than the top dimension of the lower box 101, the simulated wave generation area is larger than the arrangement area of ​​the sample 9, and the sample 9 can be subjected to the complete simulated wave impact of equal intensity at any position of the bracket 5, ensuring the reliability of the single effect test.

[0057] In one embodiment, the drive device 4 includes an electric motor, the output end of which is connected to one end of the drive shaft 3 extending out of the housing 1.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment, the drive unit 4 is located on the lower part of the housing 1. The drive shaft 3 extends from the bottom of the housing 1 and connects to the output end of the drive unit 4. The drive shaft 3 is relatively short, has high power conversion efficiency, and can provide a high rotational speed, making it more suitable for simulating splash zones and tidal zones with low water volume.

[0059] In one embodiment, the enclosure 1 is a transparent enclosure. The transparent enclosure can meet the needs of real-time observation, allowing the test personnel to observe and record continuously during the test, and also to promptly identify problems in the test and interrupt the test process without having to wait until the end of the test to observe.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, in one embodiment, the drive device 4 is located on the upper outer side of the housing 1, and the housing rotation platform 7 is located on the lower outer side of the housing 1. The housing 1 is rotatably connected to the housing rotation platform 7 via a rotating shaft 8. The housing 1 can rotate around the rotating shaft 8 to adjust the observation direction. Because the drive device 4 is located on the upper outer side of the housing 1, the length of the drive shaft 3 is increased. Although the rotation speed is slightly lower than that of the short shaft, the long shaft can provide greater torque, making it more suitable for simulating fully submerged areas or tidal zones with large water volumes.

[0061] In one embodiment, the bracket 5 is a frame structure, and the hollowed-out areas within the frame structure are water-permeable channels. As shown in Figure 5, the bracket 5 is formed by four support plates, with a water-permeable channel formed in the middle of the support plates. The edge of the sample 9 is fixed to the support plate, and the main body of the sample 9 is located above the water-permeable channel.

[0062] In one embodiment, the shape of the bracket 5 is consistent with the top view shape of the inside of the box 1, and the bracket 5 is disposed against the inner wall of the box 1.

[0063] In one embodiment, the sample 9 and the bracket 5 are respectively provided with corresponding bolt holes, and the sample 9 is fixed to the bracket 5 by bolts.

[0064] In one embodiment, the sample 9 is strapped to the bracket 5.

[0065] In one embodiment, bracket 5 is a ceramic bracket.

[0066] In one embodiment, a temperature monitoring device and a humidity monitoring device are installed inside the enclosure 1.

[0067] The present invention also provides a test method for simulating a wave erosion environment, which, based on the above-mentioned test apparatus for simulating a wave erosion environment, includes the following steps:

[0068] S1. Fix the sample 9 on the bracket 5;

[0069] S2. Add seawater to tank 1, and stop adding seawater when the seawater level reaches the designated position;

[0070] S3. Start the drive unit 4 to create simulated ocean waves inside the housing 1.

[0071] In one embodiment, step S2 further includes adding appropriate silt.

[0072] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0073] If this invention discloses or relates to components or structural parts that are fixedly connected to each other, then, unless otherwise stated, a fixed connection can be understood as: a fixed connection that can be detached (e.g., using bolts or screws), or a fixed connection that cannot be detached (e.g., riveting, welding). Of course, a fixed connection can also be replaced by an integral structure (e.g., manufactured in one piece using a casting process) (except where it is obviously impossible to use an integral molding process).

[0074] In addition, unless otherwise stated, the terms used in any of the technical solutions disclosed in this invention to indicate positional relationships or shapes include states or shapes that are similar to, close to, or approximate with those states or shapes.

[0075] Any component provided by this invention can be assembled from multiple individual components or can be a single component manufactured by a one-piece molding process.

[0076] Any adaptive changes made according to actual needs are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0077] It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0078] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A test apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment, characterized in that: include: The container (1) is used to hold seawater and the sample (9), and the container (1) is a sealed structure; A stirring blade (2) is used to stir the seawater in the tank (1) to generate simulated waves. The stirring blade (2) is located at the bottom of the tank (1). One end of the drive shaft (3) that drives the stirring blade (2) extends out of the tank (1) and is connected to the output end of the drive device (4). A bracket (5) is used to fix the sample (9). The bracket (5) is set inside the box (1) and is located above the stirring blade (2). A water-permeable channel is provided on the bracket (5).

2. The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) is provided with a flange for fixing the bracket (5).

3. The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) includes a removable top cover (6).

4. The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) includes a lower housing (101) and an upper housing (102). The top of the lower housing (101) is connected to the bottom of the upper housing (102). The stirring blade (2) is disposed at the inner bottom of the lower housing (101), and the bracket (5) is disposed inside the upper housing (102).

5. The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom surface dimension of the upper box (102) is larger than the bottom surface area of ​​the lower box (101).

6. [Amended according to Rule 26, 11.06.2025] The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The bottom surface dimension of the upper box (102) is smaller than the bottom surface area of ​​the lower box (101).

7. The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive device (4) includes an electric motor, the output end of which is connected to one end of the drive shaft (3) extending out of the housing (1).

8. The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The drive device (4) is located outside and below the housing (1), and the drive shaft (3) extends downward out of the housing (1).

9. [Amended according to Rule 26, 11.06.2025] The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 7 is characterized in that: The drive device (4) is located above the outside of the housing (1), and the drive shaft (3) extends upward out of the housing (1).

10. The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The box (1) is a transparent box.

11. The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 10, characterized in that: The drive device (4) is located on the upper outer side of the box (1), and a box rotation platform (7) is located on the bottom outer side of the box (1). The box (1) is rotatably connected to the box rotation platform (7) via a rotating shaft (8).

12. The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket (5) is a frame structure, and the hollowed-out positions within the frame structure are the water-permeable channels.

13. The experimental apparatus for simulating ocean wave erosion environment according to claim 12, characterized in that: The bracket (5) is a ceramic bracket.

14. A test method for simulating a wave erosion environment, characterized in that: The experimental apparatus based on any one of claims 1 to 9, simulating a wave erosion environment, comprises the following steps: S1. Fix the sample (9) on the bracket (5); S2. Add seawater into the container (1) and stop adding seawater when the seawater level reaches the specified position; S3. Start the drive device (4) to create simulated ocean waves inside the housing (1).

15. The test method for simulating a wave erosion environment according to claim 14, characterized in that: Step S2 also includes adding mud and sand into the box (1).

Images