A Simplified Method for Plotting Wave Refraction.
Abstract
A simplified method for plotting the refraction of waves as they traverse water of varying depths is presented. Traditional methods base the refraction diagram on a series of bathymetric contours spaced at equal intervals. This necessitates a relatively large number of computations of wave celerity and complicated plotting methods. The simplified method uses a variable contour interval so that the ratio between the celerity of the wave on the shallower side of the contour and that on the deeper side is a constant. Dimensionless values for the depth of the contours related to the wave period are computed for the celerity ratio desired. The method gives better resolution with fewer steps in plotting than the traditional method. Templates for plotting the refraction according to Snell's Law are greatly simplified because of the constant ratio of the celerities. Tables and a refraction template are provided as well as a general discussion of wave refraction. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- ADA094345
Entities
People
- John F. Michel
Organizations
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science