Commissioning (Phases 4, 4A, 4B)

Phase 4 marked the completion of ANSAs commitments under the BAA, as the new large centrifuge at the Waterways Experiment Station was commissioned and a series of research experiments were undertaken to demonstrate the breadth of new capabilities which have now been achieved in physical modeling through this research effort. Extensive work was undertaken in collaborating with potential users of the centrifuge, developing and refining their experiments, and in assembling and commissioning the equipment and appurtenances which had been designed in Cambridge to meet the perceived research needs. ANSA research engineers were resident in Vicksburg for many months, providing support to WES staff in the commissioning of the centrifuge itself and in the completion of these early research experiments. Studies were accomplished in fields ranging from precision scale blast models of cratering to the formation of ice sheets under high gravity to the generation of strong earthquake-like shaking in a deep saturated soil specimen. The mechanical commissioning of the centrifuge was interrupted in January 1996 as a number of components were found to require replacement, and this was completed in August 1997. However, this delay in commissioning did not significantly affect the research program planned for the facility as operations continued within a reduced operating envelope. During this period ANSA provided advice on operating procedures and completed planned research experiments, covering a wide range of required capabilities. The achievement of the full operating envelope of the centrifuge in September 1997 and the subsequent Inauguration on 20 November 1997 marked the formal opening of the Center.