Wave Height Formula:
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The Wave Height formula calculates the vertical distance between the trough and crest of a wave based on fluid particle displacement, wavelength, water depth, wave period, distance above bottom, and phase angle. It provides a mathematical representation of wave characteristics in fluid dynamics.
The calculator uses the Wave Height formula:
Where:
Explanation: The equation accounts for the complex relationship between wave parameters and fluid particle movement, incorporating hyperbolic cosine functions to model wave behavior in different water depth conditions.
Details: Accurate wave height estimation is crucial for coastal engineering, offshore operations, maritime navigation, and understanding ocean dynamics. It helps predict wave impact on structures and vessels.
Tips: Enter all values in appropriate units (meters for lengths, seconds for time, radians for angles). All values must be positive and valid for accurate results.
Q1: What is fluid particle displacement?
A: Fluid particle displacement refers to the movement of individual water particles as waves pass through, describing their orbital motion.
Q2: How does water depth affect wave height?
A: Water depth significantly influences wave characteristics through the hyperbolic cosine terms, with waves behaving differently in deep vs. shallow water.
Q3: What is the significance of phase angle?
A: Phase angle determines the position in the wave cycle, affecting the instantaneous wave height calculation at a specific point.
Q4: When is this formula most accurate?
A: This formula is most accurate for linear wave theory applications in relatively calm sea conditions with small amplitude waves.
Q5: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: The formula assumes ideal fluid conditions and may not account for nonlinear effects, wave breaking, or complex bathymetry in real-world scenarios.