Relative Height Of Highest Wave As Function Of Wavelength Obtained By Fenton Calculator

Fenton Equation:

\[ H_{md} = \frac{0.141063 \cdot \left(\frac{\lambda_o}{d}\right) + 0.0095721 \cdot \left(\frac{\lambda_o}{d}\right)^2 + 0.0077829 \cdot \left(\frac{\lambda_o}{d}\right)^3}{1 + 0.078834 \cdot \left(\frac{\lambda_o}{d}\right) + 0.0317567 \cdot \left(\frac{\lambda_o}{d}\right)^2 + 0.0093407 \cdot \left(\frac{\lambda_o}{d}\right)^3} \]

Relative Height as a function of Wavelength (H_md):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the Fenton Equation?

The Fenton equation calculates the relative height of the highest wave as a function of wavelength in coastal waters. It provides an empirical relationship between deep-water wavelength, coastal mean depth, and the resulting wave height ratio.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Fenton equation:

Where:

\( H_{md} \) — Relative Height as a function of Wavelength
\( \lambda_o \) — Deep-Water Wavelength (m)
\( d \) — Coastal Mean Depth (m)

Explanation: The equation provides a polynomial approximation of the relationship between wavelength-to-depth ratio and relative wave height in coastal environments.

3. Importance of Relative Height Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of relative wave height is crucial for coastal engineering, wave forecasting, and understanding wave behavior in shallow waters. It helps predict wave breaking conditions and coastal erosion patterns.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter deep-water wavelength and coastal mean depth in meters. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the relative height ratio.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is deep-water wavelength?
A: Deep-water wavelength is the horizontal distance between two successive wave crests (or troughs) when the water depth is greater than half the wavelength.

Q2: How is coastal mean depth defined?
A: Coastal mean depth refers to the average depth of the coastal water body where wave transformation is being studied, typically measured from the seafloor to the still water level.

Q3: What does the relative height value represent?
A: The relative height represents the ratio of wave height to wavelength, which is an important parameter for understanding wave steepness and breaking conditions.

Q4: What are typical values for H_md?
A: Values typically range from 0 to approximately 0.14, with higher values indicating steeper waves that are more likely to break.

Q5: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: The equation is empirical and works best for intermediate depth conditions. It may be less accurate for very shallow or very deep water conditions.