STATISTICAL MECHANICS OF OCEAN WAVES

The evolution of ocean surface spectra due to the nonlinear interaction of surface gravity waves with themselves and ocean currents is discussed. The notions of interacting wave packet (nonlinear waves), incoherence, and nonlinear energy transfer, suggest a general statistical mechanical treatment of the interaction problem. Specific calculations of particular nonlinear interaction mechanisms using an eigenmode analysis are discussed, e.g., the instability of the Stokes' wave and the energy transfer from current patterns to surface waves. Various comparisons with extant ocean and wave tank data are made.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

  1290 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, NY  United States  10019
• Authors:
  • West, B J
  • THOMSON, J A
  • Watson, K M
• Publication Date: 1975-1

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 25-31
• Serial:
  • Journal of Hydronautics
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electromagnetic spectrum; Energy; Gravity waves; Ocean waves
• Uncontrolled Terms: Wave energy
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00095007
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 7 1975 12:00AM