Ray Curvature and Refraction of Wave Packets.
Abstract
An expression for the ray curvature of a wave packet is derived which is suitable for use in wave prediction programs. The ray curvature of the wave packet is found to vanish if the packet direction becomes either perpendicular or parallel to the wave speed contours, assuming the wavelet direction is not parallel to the contours. For parallel water depth contours, this means that as a hydron moves into shoaling water refraction tends eventually to turn the hydron so that it is directed either perpendicular or parallel to the shoreline. The first case is similar to monochromatic waves. It is the result for hydrons which begin in deep water if the angle of incidence is between 0 and 74.8 deg with respect to the contour normal. However, for deep water angles of incidence equal to or greater than 74.8 deg the hydrons are turned and move parallel to shore in water of intermediate depth. The packet ray curvature approaches infinity as the wavelet direction, but not the hydron direction, becomes parallel to the wave speed contours. The result is total reflection of the waves.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA064302
Entities
People
- J. Ernest Breeding Jr.
Organizations
- Florida State University