4.2. SHORT-WAVE HYDRODYNAMIC MODELS
83
4.2 Short-Wave Hydrodynamic Models
The realm of short-wave hydrodynamic models used in coastal engineering is quite varied. Studies can be conducted in laboratory wave tanks
with the understanding that the model presents a two-dimensional (2-d)
viewpoint of the wave processes (Figure 4.1), or they can be conducted
in wave basins where the width is large enough that waves can have an
oblique approach to the beach and three-dimensional (3-d) processes can
be studied (Figure 4.2). Short-wave physical models can be used to study
specific, real-world situations, or they can be used to examine systematically generic, idealized cases with the purpose of developing physical insight
or engineering design guidance. Model waves can be generated as regular
waves closely approximating theoretical formulations, or they can be made
irregular to provide a more realistic simulation of nature. In either case,
model results critically depend on the ability to reproduce correctly the
short-wave motions2 (Dalrymple 1989).
2 Chapter 7 discusses laboratory techniques for wave generation.
Figure 4.1: Typical Laboratory Wave Tank.
83
4.2 Short-Wave Hydrodynamic Models
The realm of short-wave hydrodynamic models used in coastal engineering is quite varied. Studies can be conducted in laboratory wave tanks
with the understanding that the model presents a two-dimensional (2-d)
viewpoint of the wave processes (Figure 4.1), or they can be conducted
in wave basins where the width is large enough that waves can have an
oblique approach to the beach and three-dimensional (3-d) processes can
be studied (Figure 4.2). Short-wave physical models can be used to study
specific, real-world situations, or they can be used to examine systematically generic, idealized cases with the purpose of developing physical insight
or engineering design guidance. Model waves can be generated as regular
waves closely approximating theoretical formulations, or they can be made
irregular to provide a more realistic simulation of nature. In either case,
model results critically depend on the ability to reproduce correctly the
short-wave motions2 (Dalrymple 1989).
2 Chapter 7 discusses laboratory techniques for wave generation.
Figure 4.1: Typical Laboratory Wave Tank.