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CHAPTER 4. HYDRODYNAMIC MODELS
4.2.5
Short-Wave Model Verification
Many hydrodynamic phenomena studied using short-wave hydrodynamic
models do not require verification because the scaling relationships used
have been thoroughly tested and proven correct. So long as the model
has been carefully scaled and constructed, and it has been determined that
laboratory and scale effects are minimal, then the engineer can have reasonable confidence that the model is correctly reproducing the hydrodynamic
phenomenon. Examples of models not requiring verification include 2-d
wave tank studies of wave transformation, 3-d studies of wave refraction
and diffraction, and tests of wave forces on solid bodies.
Instances where short-wave hydrodynamic models can benefit by verification of the model to either theory or prototype measurements include
the following:
• Studies where the model waves must be as close as possible to waves given by a theoretical equation. If a study
requires first-order regular waves of precise form, measurements should be made to verify that the waves produced
are indeed close that those intended.
• Studies of existing harbors. It is desirable to reproduce
measured prototype response in short-wave harbor models of the existing configuration if the model is intended
to be used to study the impacts of harbor modification.
Verification of the present harbor in terms of interior wave
heights (and possibly currents) assures the engineer that
harbor structures are transmitting the correct amount of
wave energy. The difficulties encountered in achieving exact prototype-to-model correspondence are discussed by
Bjprdal and Tprum (1978).
• Studies attempting to reproduce any unusual or unique
hydrodynamic modeling application should be validated in
some fashion if at all possible. When prototype data are
nonexistent, it may be possible to conduct studies at two
scales to determine if the scaling relationships are valid.
In general it is wise to make use of prototype measurements when practical. This gives more credibility to the model, and the engineer can be
assured that the major hydrodynamic forcing functions have been included
in the model.
CHAPTER 4. HYDRODYNAMIC MODELS
4.2.5
Short-Wave Model Verification
Many hydrodynamic phenomena studied using short-wave hydrodynamic
models do not require verification because the scaling relationships used
have been thoroughly tested and proven correct. So long as the model
has been carefully scaled and constructed, and it has been determined that
laboratory and scale effects are minimal, then the engineer can have reasonable confidence that the model is correctly reproducing the hydrodynamic
phenomenon. Examples of models not requiring verification include 2-d
wave tank studies of wave transformation, 3-d studies of wave refraction
and diffraction, and tests of wave forces on solid bodies.
Instances where short-wave hydrodynamic models can benefit by verification of the model to either theory or prototype measurements include
the following:
• Studies where the model waves must be as close as possible to waves given by a theoretical equation. If a study
requires first-order regular waves of precise form, measurements should be made to verify that the waves produced
are indeed close that those intended.
• Studies of existing harbors. It is desirable to reproduce
measured prototype response in short-wave harbor models of the existing configuration if the model is intended
to be used to study the impacts of harbor modification.
Verification of the present harbor in terms of interior wave
heights (and possibly currents) assures the engineer that
harbor structures are transmitting the correct amount of
wave energy. The difficulties encountered in achieving exact prototype-to-model correspondence are discussed by
Bjprdal and Tprum (1978).
• Studies attempting to reproduce any unusual or unique
hydrodynamic modeling application should be validated in
some fashion if at all possible. When prototype data are
nonexistent, it may be possible to conduct studies at two
scales to determine if the scaling relationships are valid.
In general it is wise to make use of prototype measurements when practical. This gives more credibility to the model, and the engineer can be
assured that the major hydrodynamic forcing functions have been included
in the model.