Surface Wave Spectra

Abstract

A classification is made of the different types of wave elevation spectra namely 1D time spectra, 1D spatial spectra, 2D spatial spectra and 3D space-time spectra. Relations with simple single parameter measures of surface wave slope and significant wave height are also stated. Wave measurement devices are examined, including wave staffs, spar buoys, combined motion and wave-probe devices, Laser and Radar altimeters, the inverted echo sounder, radar scatterometers, stereo photography and Fourier transform photography. Theoretical mechanisms for wave generation are reviewed critically. The state of progress in understanding of the equilibrium spectrum, the re-distribution of wave energy, swell waves and overshoot effect, is examined. Finally an attempt is -made to summarize experimental knowledge, and show where -from an acoustics viewpoint it is incomplete, where from a wave dynamics viewpoint current theory is inadequate and where both might be improved.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1975
Accession Number
AD1114284

Entities

People

  • P. A. Crowther

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Acoustics
  • Backscattering
  • Boundary Layer
  • Diffraction
  • Distortion
  • Doppler Effect
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Measurement
  • New York
  • Ocean Waves
  • Particles
  • Photography
  • Power Spectra
  • Scattering
  • Shear Flow
  • Sonar
  • Surface Waves
  • Two Dimensional
  • Waves
  • Wind

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space