Effects of wave breaking on wave statistics for deep-water random wave train

The experimental studies of the breaking effects on wave statistics for deep-water random waves are presented. It is especially focused on the behavior of kurtosis of surface elevations due to wave breaking. Wave breaking suppresses the maximum limit of kurtosis of the surface elevation, although skewness depends on characteristic wave steepness. The mean instantaneous wave steepness of breaking waves defined using the zero-down-crossing method was much lower than expected from the Stokes waves.     

A discrete correction scheme for envelope approach of wave group statistics

The existence of empty envelope excursions (EEE) brings error to the envelope approach of wave group statistics, which identifies wave group by envelope upcrossing of a critical level. A group number correction scheme is suggested in this paper to exclude EEE from wave group statistics. To this end, the Ditlevson and Lindgren [J. Sound Vib. 122 (1988) 571] theory about the fraction of empty excursion envelopes (FEEE) is examined to see if it fits for ocean waves. The sea waves are simulated with Monte Carlo method and with P-M and JONSWAP spectrums. The values of FEEE of the simulated waves are investigated and compared with the theory of Ditlevson and Lindgren. The comparison shows that, at the second-order approximation, theoretical predictions of FEEE are close to those derived from simulations. This approximate analytical expression of FEEE is then employed to form a group number correction scheme. Comparisons between numerical and theoretical results of wave group properties show that this correction scheme is quite effective.     

Short-term statistics of waves measured off Ratnagiri,eastern Arabian Sea

The short-term wave characteristics are required for design and operation of industrial facilities within the coastal areas. Water surface displacement measured using waverider buoy moored at 13 m water depth in the eastern Arabian Sea off the west coast of India have been analyzed to study the short-term statistics of waves covering full one year period. The study indicates that the values of the observed maximum wave height as a function of duration are not consistent with the theoretical expected value. There is significant variation (1.29–2.19) in the ratio between highest 1% wave and significant wave height compared to the theoretical value of 1.67. The data recorded at 13 m water depth indicates that the significant wave height is ∼8% lower than that predicted by the conventional Rayleigh distribution. The theoretical bivariate log-normal distribution represents the joint distributions of wave heights and periods for the study area.     

Doppler-shift approximations of encountered wave statistics

In this paper the joint density of waveheight and half-wavelength is considered for waves observed at a fixed time point and encountering waves that are overtaking a ship from behind. The densities for these two cases are related by a Doppler shift, expressed in terms of the relative velocity of the waves and the ship. Based on this observation, an approximation of the encountered density is proposed. This approximation is then investigated for a Gaussian sea having a Pierson–Moskowitz spectrum.     

Diffraction of a directionally spread wave group by a cylinder

The problem of diffraction of a directionally spread focused wave group by a bottom-seated circular cylinder is considered from the viewpoint of second-order perturbation theory. After applying the time Fourier transform and separation of vertical variable the resulting two-dimensional non-homogeneous Helmholtz equations are solved numerically using finite differences. The detailed formulation of the second-order radiation condition is presented. Numerical solutions of the problem are obtained for JONSWAP amplitude spectra for the incoming wave group with various types of directional spreading. The results are compared with the corresponding results for a unidirectional wave group of the same amplitude spectrum. Finally we discuss the applicability of the averaged spreading angle concept for practical applications.     

Numerical simulation of a random sea: a common error and its effect upon wave group statistics

A commonly used method of simulating ocean waves from a specified frequency spectrum is shown to be incorrect. The method consists of adding numerous sine curves with random phases; and the error arises from assuming that the amplitudes of these component sine waves are deterministic, when they are in fact random variables. Methods of using random amplitudes are described and only one is found to be satisfactory. In this method the number of random values simulated — and then transformed with an inverse FFT — equals the required number of simulated data points. So simulation in the frequency domain can only give relatively short runs; it is necessary to work in the time domain if arbitrarily long runs are required.Errors in wave group statistics derived from the incorrect simulation method are discussed and related to discrepancies reported between groupiness in simulated data and ocean measurements.     

An Efficient Tool for Wave Climate Analysis in European Coastal Waters

Abstract. We describe a software system that allows even an inexperienced user to estimate the wave statistics at any location along the European coastal zone. The system is composed of a solid, well verified data set, a geographical tool, a modelling section and a statistical package. Their use is fully transparent to the user.     

Wave height distributions in bimodal sea states from offshore basins

The paper presents results for the distribution of wave heights from laboratory generated bimodal sea states. Data collected at the DHI offshore basin are analyzed and compared with results based on wave records from the MARINTEK offshore basin. The comparisons are done for three groups of mixed sea states: wind-sea dominated, swell-dominated and energy-equivalent, determined on the basis of the parameter sea-swell energy ratio (SSER), which have been generated according to the model of Guedes Soares (1984). In some sea states abnormal or freak waves have been observed.The quasi-determinism theory of Boccotti is used to expand some linear narrowband models to second order, thus providing validation of the adequacy of the equations to represent the linear components of the wave heights. Also, the data are compared with the predictions of a third order model using as a nonlinear correction the coefficient of kurtosis. Due to the coexistence of wind-sea and swell, the core of the autocovariance function in some cases demonstrates a global minimum which is the second local minimum in the sequence. This can affect the fitting ability of distributions whose parameters depend on the form of the autocorrelation function or its envelope.The results for MARINTEK and DHI data show similar patterns of fit between predicted and observed exceedance probabilities for the considered classes of bimodal spectra.     

波浪对阻抗型圆柱群的绕射

应用柱面上阻抗型边界条件分析单柱和圆柱群上波面高度和总波浪力的分布规律。随着阻抗值减小波面高度明显减小,柱上总的波浪力也随之减小。由于柱间干扰和阻抗影响,波浪力在一定的波数尺寸范围内出现急降区,阻抗型柱的变化平缓,而刚性光滑壁面柱降低显著,说明阻抗越小柱间波浪散射强度越小。     

波浪水槽中随机波的模拟

根据线性系统理论,首先由给定的靶谱模拟海浪信号,再把此信号转换为造波控制输入信号,最后在水槽中指定的截面处产生具有给定靶谱的随机波。这种模拟方法已在青岛海洋大学物理海洋实验室的大型水槽中实现,并取得良好的效果。     

Effect of sampling rate on wave height statistics

This paper examines the effects of digital processing, and therefore discretisation or sampling, of sea surface elevations that are, in reality, continuous. Using random linear wave theory, probability distributions for the measured (as opposed to actual) wave amplitudes and heights have been obtained which are conditional on the sampling rate. It is shown that with low sampling rates there are significant departures from the usual Rayleigh distribution. Rates of 1 Hz or less may lead to significant underestimation of the probability of very large waves. An analysis of full-scale measurements obtained from a platform in the North Sea supports these results.     

Wave climate scatter performance of a cycloidal wave energy converter

A lift based cycloidal wave energy converter (WEC) was investigated using potential flow numerical simulations in combination with viscous loss estimates based on published hydrofoil data. This type of wave energy converter consists of a shaft with one or more hydrofoils attached eccentrically at a radius. The main shaft is aligned parallel to the wave crests and submerged at a fixed depth. The operation of the WEC as a wave-to-shaft energy converter interacting with straight crested waves was estimated for an actual ocean wave climate. The climate chosen was the climate recorded by a buoy off the north-east shore of Oahu/Hawaii, which was a typical moderate wave climate featuring an average annual wave power P_W = 17 kWh/m of wave crest. The impact of the design variables radius, chord, span and maximum generator power on the average annual shaft energy yield, capacity factor and power production time fraction were explored. In the selected wave climate, a radius R = 5 m, chord C = 5 m and span of S = 60 m along with a maximum generator power of P_G = 1.25 MW were found to be optimal in terms of annual shaft energy yield. At the design point, the CycWEC achieved a wave-to-shaft power efficiency of 70%. In the annual average, 40% of the incoming wave energy was converted to shaft energy, and a capacity factor of 42% was achieved. These numbers exceeded the typical performance of competing renewables like wind power, and demonstrated that the WEC was able to convert wave energy to shaft energy efficiently for a range of wave periods and wave heights as encountered in a typical wave climate.     

Wave period distributions in non-Gaussian mixed sea states

The wave period probability densities in non-Gaussian mixed sea states are calculated by utilizing a transformed Gaussian process method. The transformation relating the non-Gaussian process and the original Gaussian process is obtained based on the equivalence of the level up-crossing rates of the two processes. A saddle point approximation procedure is applied for calculating the level up-crossing rates in this study. The accuracy and efficiency of the transformed Gaussian process method are validated by comparing the results predicted by using the method with those predicted by the Monte Carlo simulation method.     

Wave types of landslide generated impulse waves

Subaerial landslide generated impulse waves were investigated in a prismatic wave channel. Seven governing parameters, namely the still water depth, slide impact velocity, slide thickness, bulk slide volume, bulk slide density, slide impact angle, and grain diameter, were systematically varied. The generated impulse waves are nonlinear, intermediate- to shallow-water waves involving a small to considerable fluid mass transport. The Stokes wave, cnoidal wave, solitary wave, and bore theories were applied to describe the observed maximum waves. The theoretical and observed features of these four wave types are highlighted. A diagram allows to predict the wave type directly as a function of the slide parameters, the slide impact angle, and the still water depth.     

Numerical simulation of random wave slamming on structures in the splash zone

The numerical investigation of random wave slamming on superstructures of marine structures in the splash zone is presented in this paper. The impact pressures on the underside of the structure are computed based on the improved volume of fluid method (VOF). The governing equations are Reynolds time-averaged equations and the two equation k– model. The third order upwind difference scheme is applied to the convection term to reduce the effect of numerical viscosity. The numerical wave flume with random wave-maker suitable for VOF is established. Appropriate moving contact-line boundary conditions are introduced to the model wave in contact with and separated from the underside of structure. Parametric studies have been carried out for different incident waves, structure dimensions and structure clearance. The numerical results are verified by the experimental results.     

Wave crest and trough distributions in a broad-banded directional wave field

It is well established that the modulational instability enhances the probability of occurrence for extreme events in long crested wave fields. Recent studies, however, have shown that the coexistence of directional wave components can reduce the effects related to the modulational instability. Here, numerical simulations of the Euler equations are used to investigate whether the modulational instability may produce significant deviations from second-order statistical properties of surface gravity waves when short crestness (i.e., directionality) is accounted for. The case of a broad-banded directional wave field (i.e. wind sea) is investigated. The analysis is concentrated on the wave crest and trough distribution. For completeness a comparison with a unidirectional wave field is presented also. Results will show that the distributions based on second-order theory provide a good estimate for the simulated crest and trough height also at low probability levels.     

Determination of wave energy dissipation factor and numerical simulation of wave height in the surf zone

Based on the time-dependent mild slope equation including the effect of wave energy dissipation, an expression for the energy dissipation factor is derived in conjunction with the wave energy balance equation. The wave height of regular and irregular waves is numerically simulated by use of the parabolic mild slope equation considering the energy dissipation due to wave breaking. Comparison of numerical results with experimental data shows that the expression for the energy dissipation factor is reasonable. The effects of the wave breaking coefficient on the breaking point and the distribution of wave height after breaking are discussed through the study of a specific experimental topography.     

A comparison of several wave spectra for the random wave diffraction by a semi-infinite breakwater

A comparison of the diffraction of multidirectional random waves using several selected wave spectrum models is presented in this paper. Six wave spectrum models, Bretschneider, Pierson–Moskowitz, ISSC, ITTC, Mitsuyasu, and JONSWAP spectrum, are considered. A discrete form for each of the given spectrum models is used to specify the incident wave conditions. Analytical solutions based on both the Fresnel integrals and polynomial approximations of the Fresnel integrals and numerical solutions of a boundary integral approach have been used to obtain the two-dimensional wave diffraction by a semi-infinite breakwater at uniform water depth. The diffraction of random waves is based on the cumulative superposition of linear diffraction solution. The results of predicted random wave diffraction for each of the given spectrum models are compared with those of the published physical model presented by Briggs et al. [1995. Wave diffraction around breakwater. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering—ASCE 121(1), 23–35]. Reasonable agreement is obtained in all cases. The effect of the directional spreading function is also examined from the results of the random wave diffraction. Based on these comparisons, the present model for the analysis of various wave spectra is found to be an accurate and efficient tool for predicting the random wave field around a semi-infinite breakwater or inside a harbor of arbitrary geometry in practical applications.     

Wave radiation by a floating rectangular structure in oblique seas

The linear wave radiation by a long floating rectangular structure in oblique seas of finite depth is investigated by use of the method of separation of variables and the eigenfunction expansion matching method. Analytical expressions for the radiated potentials, wave forces and hydrodynamic coefficients are given. The correctness of these expressions is verified through two specific examples investigated previously by other numerical methods. Using the present analytical solution, the hydrodynamic effects of the angle of incidence, the draft and the width of the structure on the wave forces and hydrodynamic coefficients are discussed in detail which may provide some useful information for the design of rectangular structures in oblique seas.     

Wave interaction with twin plate wave barrier

The wave transmission and reflection characteristics and wave induced pressures on single surface plate and twin plate barriers were investigated experimentally for a wide range of wave heights and periods in regular and random waves. Seven different spacing between the plates were tested. It is found in general, hydrodynamically the twin plate is better than the single surface plate to reduce the wave transmission and increase the wave reflection. It is found that the transmission coefficient of twin plate reduced from 0.8 to 0.3 when the relative plate width is increased from 0.18 to 0.84. Transmission coefficient of twin plate barrier shows oscillating behavior, when relative plate width is increased due to blocking and pumping effect. The reflection coefficient increased from 0.25 to 0.65, when the relative width of the plate is increased from 0.18 to 0.84. The increase in spacing between the plates was also found to increase the reflection coefficient. The transmission coefficient, K_t for 98% probability of non-exceedence was found to be minimum and is about 0.60 when the relative spacing between the plate is about 0.12, compared to K_t=0.76 for single surface plate. The reflection coefficient for 98% probability of non-exceedence was found to exceed 0.66 for single surface plate, whereas it is 0.73 for twin plate with relative spacing of about 0.40. From the investigation with wide range of input parameters, it is found that the twin plate barrier needs to be designed for highest 98% pressure ratio of 2.0, which is equal to the static pressure induced by the design incident wave height.