The MIT, Center for Ocean Engineering Wave Energy Laboratory (WELab) is a developing experimental facility of the VFRL. The WELAB aims to become a high-end experimental facility focusing on the scientific understanding of emerging wave energy conversion technologies.

Faraday Waves and a Singing Bowl

WELab wave tank A, is a 2' x 2' x 8' Acrylic tank supported by rail-guides for carriage, a flat-type wave-maker (driven by stepper motor), a progressive wave absorber, and float-type wave gauges.

Wave tank A, During Fabrication

Singing Bowls date back to pre-Buddha (2000BC) period in Himalayas. They are often called Tibetan Singing Bowls. From musical instrument point of view, they are categorized as bells, though they are standing bells. Their sound is believed to be in harmony with soul's rhythm and they are used for meditation.

From acoustic point of view, the mallet resonates the bowl and creates a high-amplitude sound. If water is added, bowl's dynamic changes and frequency decreases accordingly. The new system is a vibration container of water that admits the well-known Faraday wave pattern on its surface above a certain threshold.