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Wave Height Formula:
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The wave height formula calculates the height of water from top crest to bottom of trough when the fetch is more than 32 kilometers. This is particularly important for dam design and coastal engineering projects where wave action needs to be considered.
The calculator uses the wave height formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates wave height based on wind velocity and the straight length of water expense, with a constant factor of 0.032 for fetches greater than 32 kilometers.
Details: Accurate wave height estimation is crucial for dam design, coastal protection structures, and offshore engineering projects. It helps determine the required freeboard for dams and the structural requirements for marine structures.
Tips: Enter wind velocity in km/h and straight length of water expense in km. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator is specifically designed for fetches greater than 32 kilometers.
Q1: What is fetch in wave height calculation?
A: Fetch refers to the straight length of water over which the wind blows in a constant direction, which directly affects wave height development.
Q2: Why is this formula specific for fetches >32 km?
A: Wave development reaches a different equilibrium state for longer fetches, requiring a specialized formula for accurate height prediction.
Q3: How accurate is this formula?
A: The formula provides a good estimation for engineering purposes but may need adjustment for specific local conditions and extreme weather events.
Q4: Can this be used for ocean wave prediction?
A: While the principles are similar, ocean wave prediction typically uses more complex models that account for additional factors like swell and multiple wave systems.
Q5: What are typical wave height values?
A: Wave heights can vary significantly based on wind speed and fetch length, typically ranging from a few centimeters to several meters in extreme conditions.