Maximum Wave Checks

Most wave theories are capable of yielding valid mathematical solutions to physically implausible data; particularly with regards to wave steepness and depth-related breaking. In part, this is a consequence of some of the assumptions imposed upon the boundary problem formulation. As an aid in restricting solutions to an observed physically valid domain, empirical data and formulations are often employed to estimate the validity of the given wave. The following expression (Fenton, 1990) is used for estimating the greatest wave as a function of both wavelenth and depth.

References

Herbich, J. B., Handbook of Coastal Engineering, A.52 (Eqn. 15)

Equation

Fenton

Ocean Waves

Quinn, A. D., Design and Construction of Ports and Marine Structures, 1961