Welcome to the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory
The O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory provides outstanding research and testing at the largest nearshore experimental facility at an academic institution in the US. The 61,000 ft2 (5,700 m2) building is situated on the main campus and houses the Large Wave Flume (LWF), Directional Wave Basin (DWB), and 5,400 ft2 (500 m2) of office space for staff, graduate students, visiting researchers, and clients.
The laboratory conducts research on coastal and nearshore processes involving:
- Wave-structure interaction
- Nearshore hydrodynamics and sediment transport
- Marine renewable energy
- Tsunami and coastal hazards
- Fixed and floating structures
Through our work we deliver research, testing, and education and outreach opportunities to improve the resilience and sustainability of coastal areas, and to develop innovative solutions to the design of coastal infrastructure.
Find out more about the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory:
Interested in coastal and ocean engineering or resilient materials?
Learn more about Oregon State's degree programs in civil engineering and materials science.
History of the Wave Lab
The Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory have been operating for more than 45 years, with continuous physical model testing on all kinds of coastal processes, nearshore structures, and wave energy devices.
Wave Lab Facilities
Explore the lab's advanced wave and coastal research capabilities, including large wave flume and directional wave basin.
Large Wave Flume
The Large Wave Flume is the largest of its kind in North America.
Capabilities
The O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory (HWRL) is one of the largest and most sophisticated laboratories for education, research, and testing in coastal, ocean and related areas. The HWRL has outstanding capabilities including the following examples:
Nearshore Hydrodynamics
- Wave transformation
- Wave breaking and surf zone turbulence
- Swash dynamics
- Longshore currents and undertow
Tsunami Research
- Tsunami runup and overland flow
- Tsunami-structure interaction
- Landslide generated tsunami
Coastal Structures
- Stability
- Design optimization
- Overtopping
- Transmission and reflection
Sediment Suspension and Transport
- Cross-shore and longshore sediment transport
- Longshore sediment transport
- Scour around piles and seawalls
- Initiation of sediment suspension
Environmental Fluid Mechanics
- Transport and mixing in the nearshore
- Bottom boundary layer dynamics
- Outfalls in waves and currents
Floating Structures
- Wave energy devices
- Loading platforms
- Ship maneuverability
Support
This facility is supported by the National Science Foundation (Award 2037914) and the Pacific Marine Energy Center.
Get in touch
Please reach out to our director, Pedro Lomónaco with any questions.
Pedro LomónacoDirector, O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory
School of Civil & Construction Engineering
hinsdale@oregonstate.edu
541-737-2875
Get directions to the lab
Find addresses, directions, maps, and more on our detailed directions page.