A Note on the Selection of Wave Spectra for Design Evaluation

Abstract : A brief discussion of issues related to selection of representative wave spectra for use in evaluating the performance of a hullform in a seaway is given. A method for selecting a small number of wave spectra is outlined. In evaluating the performance of a floating body, it can be important to determine how well that body can operate in the sea conditions it is likely to encounter. Typically, during the design phase a range of wave spectra are considered using motion prediction programs. When a frequency domain analysis is appropriate, a wide range of spectra can readily be considered. A smaller set is considered for time domain analyses due to time and cost constraints and an even smaller subset is selected for experimental investigations.