Laboratory model studies allow researchers and engineers to observe how waves behave around coastal structures, offshore platforms and other hydraulic models under controlled conditions. To obtain useful results from these studies, however, the movement of the water has to be converted into measurable data.
This is where wave sensors, wave recorders, load sensors and data-acquisition systems become important.
EMCON has developed instrumentation specifically for wave flumes, model tanks and hydrodynamic studies, including capacitance-based wave sensors, laboratory wave recorders, wave-force sensors, run-up meters and underwater load sensors. The systems are designed to measure multiple parameters and bring them together through electronic data acquisition for analysis. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
What Is Wave Measurement in a Model Study?
In a laboratory wave flume or model tank, waves are generated under controlled conditions so their behaviour can be studied.
Depending on the objective of the experiment, researchers may need to measure parameters such as:
- Wave elevation
- Wave height
- Wave period
- Wave run-up
- Horizontal wave force
- Loads on submerged or anchored structures
- Water level and pressure
- Structural movement or displacement
A single sensor may therefore not be enough for a complete experiment.
The measurement system typically combines sensors positioned at different points in the model with a recorder or data-acquisition system that collects, displays and stores their signals.
1. Capacitance-Based Wave Sensors
One of the primary instruments used in laboratory wave studies is the wave-height sensor.
EMCON’s capacitance-based wave sensor is designed for fast response in model studies. The sensing element is installed vertically at selected locations in a wave flume or model tank so changes in the water surface can be measured as waves pass the sensor. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
Because several sensors can be positioned at different points, researchers can observe how the same wave changes as it moves through the experimental setup.
What can a wave sensor help measure?
The sensor data can be used to observe characteristics such as:
- Wave elevation
- Wave height
- Wave period
- Changes in wave behaviour between locations
EMCON’s documented capacitance-based sensor offers selectable measurement ranges, with a standard range of approximately -20 cm to +20 cm, while higher ranges can be supplied on request. The sensor provides a linear voltage output and can operate as a standalone sensor or as part of a larger measurement system. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
The documentation also states that these sensors can be used in fresh and semi-saline water.
2. Why Multiple Wave Sensors Are Used
One wave sensor provides information from one position.
In many experiments, however, the objective is to understand what happens to a wave as it travels through the flume or interacts with a model structure.
Multiple sensors can therefore be installed at selected locations.
For example, a laboratory study may position sensors:
- Before a structure
- Close to the structure
- Behind the structure
- At several points along the wave flume
The EMCON Laboratory Wave Recorder is designed to accept multiple wave-sensor inputs so wave data from several locations can be recorded simultaneously. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
This makes it possible to analyse more than a single point of water-surface movement during the same experiment.
3. Laboratory Wave Recorder
Sensors generate the measurement signal, but that information still needs to be collected, displayed and recorded.
EMCON’s Laboratory Operated Wave Recorder (LOWR) is designed as the central recording and data-acquisition system for laboratory wave studies.
The documented system allows multiple wave sensors to be connected simultaneously and records their measurements through a computer-based interface. Live data can also be viewed during an experiment. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
The system consists of:
- Laboratory Operated Wave Recorder
- Capacitance-based wave sensors
- Provision for additional compatible sensors
- Microsoft Windows-based data-acquisition software Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
The recorder therefore acts as the bridge between the physical experiment and the digital data used for analysis.
4. Data Acquisition: Turning Waves into Usable Data
Recording a wave is not simply about showing the water level at one instant.
A wave is continuously changing with time. The data-acquisition system therefore needs to sample the sensor signals repeatedly so the shape and behaviour of the wave can be reconstructed digitally.
EMCON’s Laboratory Wave Recorder documentation specifies data acquisition from 27 Hz up to 100 Hz, with support for up to 32 sensors. Sensor inputs are based on 0–5 V signals, while the logger provides RS232/USB connectivity for transferring data to the computer. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
The associated Windows-based software records the wave data and supports further analysis.
The documentation also describes export to Microsoft Excel, allowing recorded datasets to be taken into other workflows for additional processing and reporting. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
5. From Raw Data to Wave Characteristics
The real value of the measurement system comes from converting continuously recorded sensor signals into meaningful wave information.
EMCON’s wave-recording software is designed to process captured wave data and generate wave-related parameters from the recorded measurements. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
Depending on the experiment, researchers may analyse characteristics such as wave heights, periods, crests and troughs.
Instead of manually observing water movement in the tank, the experiment produces a repeatable digital record that can be reviewed after testing.
6. Measuring Horizontal Wave Force
Water-surface elevation is only one part of many hydrodynamic experiments.
When a wave strikes a structure, researchers may also need to understand the horizontal force generated by the wave.
EMCON’s Horizontal Wave Force Sensor is designed for this purpose.
The sensor can be installed in a wave flume so the exposed measuring area experiences horizontal wave pressure. The documentation notes that the sensor arrangement is intended to measure horizontal force while remaining free from vertical hydrostatic pressure effects. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
Multiple sensors can also be positioned at different heights to observe how wave pressure varies along a structure.
This type of measurement can be useful when studying model structures representing coastal or offshore engineering elements.
7. Underwater Load Measurement
Some model studies involve submerged structures, anchored systems or components subjected to forces generated by waves.
EMCON provides different load sensors for these applications.
Underwater Anchor Load Sensor
The Underwater Anchor Load Sensor is designed to measure loads acting on anchored platforms or similar experimental structures.
The sensors can be connected in series with anchor chains, allowing load variations to be recorded in real time during an experiment. EMCON documents selectable load ranges from approximately 5 kg to 30 kg, with the sensor intended for continuous operation in water. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
Underwater Load Sensor
EMCON also provides an Underwater Load Sensor for estimating forces acting on suspended or rigid plates exposed to waves or other forces.
The documented design uses a non-contact electro-inductive sensing arrangement, with different load ranges available depending on the experimental requirement. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
These instruments extend the experiment beyond simply asking “How high is the wave?” to questions such as “What load does that wave place on the model?”
8. Measuring Wave Run-Up
When waves reach a beach, slope, seawall or breakwater, the water may travel upward along the surface.
This phenomenon is known as wave run-up.
EMCON’s Run-Up Meter / Recorder is designed to measure this movement during model studies. The sensor is positioned along the surface where the wave travels, and the resulting run-up can be displayed and recorded through the associated electronic system. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
The documentation describes a capacitance-based sensor arrangement designed to respond when water contacts the sensing element. It can be used in fresh or semi-saline water and integrated with a data-recording system. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
For coastal engineering model studies, this provides a way to convert visible run-up behaviour into measurable data.
9. Water Level and Pressure Measurement
Some experiments may require broader water-level measurements rather than only surface-wave elevation.
EMCON’s Water Level / Pressure Sensor measures hydrostatic pressure changes and converts them into water-level information. The documented range is 0 to 2 metres, with other configurations potentially selectable depending on the application. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
The brochure lists applications including:
- Wave measurements in flumes
- Wave tanks
- Open-sea measurements
- Accurate water-level measurement
- Water-level observations around hydraulic structures Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
This makes pressure-based level measurement another useful parameter in hydrodynamic studies.
Building a Multi-Parameter Model Study
One of the advantages of laboratory experimentation is the ability to combine several measurements within the same controlled test.
For example, a wave-flume experiment could potentially involve:
Wave Sensors
↓
Measure water-surface elevation at several locations
Wave Force Sensors
↓
Measure horizontal loads acting on the model
Underwater Load Sensors
↓
Measure forces transferred to submerged or anchored components
Run-Up Meter
↓
Measure water movement along a beach or structure
Water Level / Pressure Sensor
↓
Observe water-level and pressure variations
Laboratory Wave Recorder + Data Acquisition
↓
Record and analyse the measurements digitally
EMCON’s model-studies brochure specifically describes its sensors and data-acquisition systems as being used in model tanks and remote field applications, with installations at research and academic institutions. 1-EMCON Company Profile 2026_26…
Why Data Acquisition Matters as Much as the Sensor
A high-quality sensor is essential, but the experiment does not end at the sensing element.
Useful experimental data also depends on:
- Appropriate sampling
- Multiple sensor channels where required
- Reliable signal acquisition
- Time-based recording
- Live monitoring
- Digital data storage
- Export for subsequent analysis
The Laboratory Wave Recorder brings these functions together by allowing several sensor inputs to be monitored and recorded within the same system. Emcon MODE STUDIES Brochure 16 …
This is particularly important when comparing the behaviour of different points in the experiment at the same moment.
Choosing Instruments for a Wave Model Study
The right instrument configuration depends on what the experiment is intended to measure.
If the objective is wave height and period, capacitance-based wave sensors and a multi-channel wave recorder may form the core setup.
If the objective is wave interaction with a structure, horizontal wave-force measurement may also be necessary.
For studies involving anchored or submerged models, underwater load sensors can provide additional information about forces generated during wave action.
For coastal structures, beaches or breakwaters, a run-up meter can be added to study how far the water travels along the model surface.
Rather than treating each instrument independently, the measurement system should therefore be selected around the research objective, number of measurement points, expected ranges and model configuration.
From the Model Tank to Engineering Understanding
Laboratory model studies reduce complex hydrodynamic behaviour to a controlled environment where individual parameters can be observed repeatedly.
But the value of the experiment ultimately depends on the quality of the measurements.
By combining wave sensors, force and load sensors, run-up measurement and multi-channel data acquisition, researchers can build a more complete picture of how waves move and how model structures respond to them.
For research laboratories and engineering institutions, this turns visible wave behaviour into structured data that can be analysed, compared and used in further research.
Planning a wave-flume or model-tank measurement system?
EMCON develops indigenous sensors, wave recorders and data-acquisition systems for laboratory model studies and oceanographic research. Share your model dimensions, parameters to be measured, number of channels and expected measurement ranges to discuss a suitable instrumentation setup.
