Wind Wave Studies. Part 2. The Parabolic Antenna as a Wave Probe
Abstract
Coherent microwave backscatter is the basis of a probe technique useful for studying surface water waves in a laboratory tank. A parabolic antenna is focused to give a plane wave at short range, typically 1.2 m, and an illuminated area of controllable size. The technique strongly discriminates against all water waves except those which have a particular Bragg resonant wavelength ranging between 0.25 cm and 10 cm and propagate parallel to the plane of incidence. The resulting doppler spectra provide a powerful tool for wind wave, breaking, and spray studies. A unique method for directly measuring the water wavenumber resolution is described, together with a technique for absolute calibration of the backscattered power in terms of wave height.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA006554
Entities
People
- John W. Wright
- Tyrone R. Larson
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory