Surf Similarity Number Or Iribarren Number Calculator

Surf Similarity Number Or Iribarren Number Formula:

\[ Ir = \frac{\tan(\alpha)}{\sqrt{\frac{Hi}{Lo}}} \]

Angle Sloped Plane forms with the Horizontal:

radians

Incident Wave Height:

meters

Incident Wave Length in Deepwater:

meters

Surf Similarity Number Or Iribarren Number:

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1. What is the Surf Similarity Number Or Iribarren Number?

The Surf Similarity Number or Iribarren Number is a dimensionless parameter used to model several effects of (breaking) surface gravity waves on beaches and coastal structures. It helps characterize wave breaking types and predict wave behavior on slopes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Surf Similarity Number formula:

\[ Ir = \frac{\tan(\alpha)}{\sqrt{\frac{Hi}{Lo}}} \]

Where:

\( Ir \) — Surf Similarity Number or Iribarren Number
\( \alpha \) — Angle Sloped Plane forms with the Horizontal (radians)
\( Hi \) — Incident Wave Height (meters)
\( Lo \) — Incident Wave Length in Deepwater (meters)

Explanation: The equation relates the slope angle to the wave characteristics, providing a dimensionless parameter that describes wave breaking behavior on inclined surfaces.

3. Importance of Surf Similarity Number Calculation

Details: The Iribarren Number is crucial for coastal engineering as it helps predict wave breaking types (spilling, plunging, surging), design coastal structures, and assess wave impact on beaches and shorelines.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the slope angle in radians, incident wave height in meters, and incident wave length in deepwater in meters. All values must be positive and valid.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical values for the Iribarren Number?
A: Typically, Ir < 0.5 indicates spilling breakers, 0.5 < Ir < 3.3 indicates plunging breakers, and Ir > 3.3 indicates surging breakers.

Q2: How is the slope angle measured?
A: The slope angle is measured as the angle between the inclined plane and the horizontal ground, typically expressed in radians.

Q3: What wave characteristics affect the Iribarren Number?
A: Both wave height and wave length significantly influence the Iribarren Number, along with the slope angle of the coastal structure or beach.

Q4: Are there limitations to this parameter?
A: The Iribarren Number provides a simplified characterization and may not capture all complexities of wave-structure interaction in all scenarios.

Q5: How is this number used in coastal engineering?
A: It's used to design breakwaters, seawalls, and other coastal structures by predicting wave breaking behavior and impact forces.