Similitude of ship models

Manned models are used for research (e.g. ship behaviour), engineering (e.g. port layout) and for training in shiphandling (e.g. maritime pilots, masters and officers).

This means that gravity is considered to be preponderant over the other forces acting on the hull (viscosity, capillarity, cavitation, compressibility, etc.).

The designers of Port Revel chose a scale (S) of 1:25, so: S(L) = 25 (smaller, hence distance is 25 times less) In this similitude, the proportions are kept (the ratios between the various dimensions of the ship are identical).

40 years' experience have shown that students quickly learn how to control the models just as they do the real ships that they are used to manoeuvring.

Manned model exercises promote good situational and spatial awareness, a lack of which contributes to most accidents and incidents.