Centre for Marine Science and Technology

Vessel Generated Wave Wake Prediction & Measurement

The Wave Wake Problem

There are a number of problems which have been associated with waves generated by ships. The alleged consequences of these waves, known as wave wake, include: river bank erosion, nuisance to other users, safety risk to small vessels, damage to jetties &/or river walls, motions of moored objects, disturbance of silt and damage to the ecology of habitats.

A knowledge of the characteristics of the waves generated by vessel traffic in a given waterway can be of great benefit. Principally it can enable the comparison of waves generated by different vessels, but can also aid the following activities:

The Centre for Marine Science (CMST) is in the position to provide a complete service to help solve the wave wake problem.

Vessel Wave Wake Prediction

 

CMST is can predict the wave pattern generated by a vessel by utilising  computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software packages. These programs utilise state of the art computational techniques to solve the flow field around a vessel moving through water.

Principally used to estimate the resistance of a vessel and hence its powering requirements it can determine the expected wave pattern when the vessel is operating in both deep or shallow water.

 

This diagram illustrates a typical wave pattern generated by a vessel.

Wave Propagation Prediction

The bathymetry (sea or river bed profile) has a large influence on the wave pattern propagation once it has been created. For example as waves approach shallow water their speed and wave length will change. The waves may also refract, a change in direction associated with a change in speed. If the sea/river bottom does not have a uniform slope along the full length of the shore/river's edge the refraction may be complicated. As waves move into shallow water the wave height also changes. The waves will steepen until they eventually break on the shore/river's edge.

CMST has access to a number of wave propagation models which may be utilised to determine the effect of different bathymetries on wave patterns generated by vessels. One such model, a "mild slope" wave propagation prediction package, has  particular application to the estimation of wave properties during passage across slowly shelving waterway boundaries.

Vessel Wave Wake Measurement

CMST has  experience measuring waves. The majority of this experience has been gained through measuring the ocean ambient wave field whilst also measuring the motions of vessels. It has also worked closely with the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania on wave wake measurement, who are acknowledged experts in this field. Curtin University operates a Memorandum of Understanding with the College, providing access to model wave testing facilities and related instrumentation

The Centre for Marine Science and Technology

The Centre for Marine Science and Technology (CMST) at Curtin University comprises a multi-skilled body of naval architects, engineers and scientists committed to research and development. Since its foundation in 1985, the Centre has earned a reputation as a group which responds quickly to industry and Government needs, producing the required outcomes on-time and on-budget.

Three modes of operation

The preferred process is dependent upon the requirements of the client.

CMST Proven Track Record

A wide range of clients have utilised the services of CMST including: Austal Ships, Port of Melbourne, Voyage Management Systems (Qld), JFA, DSTO, Woodside Petroleum, Tenix Defence, Hong Kong Marine Dept. and   NZ Maritime Safety Authority.

Personnel Information

CMST has a team of fourteen multi-skilled naval architects, engineers and scientists. Staff that work in the area of wave wake prediction, propagation and measurement are as follows:

Kim Klaka  PhD, MAppSc, CPEng, MIEAust, MRINA, MSNAME
Centre Director with 30 years experience in naval architecture, specialising in ship motions  and resistance.

Tim Gourlay  PhD, BSc[Hons]
Research Fellow in ship hydrodynamics with particular expertise in ship hydrodynamics in harbours and restricted channels.

Alec Duncan  PhD, MAppSc, BAppSc, MIEEE
Senior Research Fellow with a wealth of experience in instrumentation, signal processing, electronic design and development, software for real-time systems, data acquisition and data analysis.

Amos Maggi  BappSc(Hons)
Research Fellow with a background in physics and measurement science. Experienced in the development of software for data acquisition and various forms of data analysis.

Frank Thomas MEng, BEng
An electronic engineer with extensive experience in communication protocols, telemetry systems and embedded controllers.

 

For further details on our services please contact:

Dr. Kim Klaka
Director
CMST
Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U1987
Perth
Western Australia 6845

Tel: 08 9266 7380
Fax: 08 9266 4799
Email: k.klaka

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July 25, 2007