AN OCEAN WAVE MEASURING BUOY

The author describes the design, construction, and performance of a surface wave-following buoy that can measure the directional spectrum of 0.06 to 0.5 Hz ocean waves with an accuracy of 10%, and an angular resolution of around 90 degrees. The buoy is disc shaped, 1.5 m (5 feet) in diameter, weighs 150 kgm (300 lb), and is completely self-contained. Wave height is measured by an accelerometer mounted on the inner gimbal of a vertical gyro, wave slopes by the tilt of the buoy about the gyro's vertical axis, and buoy heading by a gyro stabilized compass. Data from the transducers are digitized and recorded on computer compatible magnetic tape. Wave spectra are calculated from the data by computer. The accuracy of the measurements is verified by calibration in a wave tank, and by the internal consistency of the data. (Author)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/SIORef746
• Corporate Authors:

  Scripps Institution of Oceanography

  Advanced Ocean Engineering Laboratory
  La Jolla, CA  United States  92037
• Authors:
  • STEWART, R H
• Publication Date: 1974-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 64 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Buoys; Electromagnetic spectrum; Measurement; Ocean waves; Wave height; Wave measurement
• Old TRIS Terms: Wave slope measurement
• Subject Areas: Design; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00057250
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• ISBN: SIO-Ref-74-6
• Report/Paper Numbers: AOEL-56 Tech. Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: N00014-69A-0200-6012
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 28 1974 12:00AM