Water wave impulse response function on moving point with constant speed in head wave (Q6593232)

This work addresses a critical problem in deterministic sea wave prediction (DSWP) for vessels moving at constant speed under head wave conditions. Accurate prediction of water waves encountered by moving ships is crucial for ensuring safety and optimising ship operations. The authors aim to derive an analytical solution for the impulse response function, specifically tailored for a moving point at constant speed, based on the finite-depth dispersion relation.\N\NThe scientific problem the paper tackles is the prediction of encounter water waves for ships moving under head wave conditions, which is essential for accurate short-term wave predictions. This problem has traditionally been addressed using static condition models, but there is a scarcity of research focused on dynamic or moving conditions. Encounter wave predictions are critical for predicting the motion of vessels in advance, allowing for safer and more efficient ship navigation. The challenge lies in extending the impulse response function from static conditions to moving conditions, considering the added complexity of finite-depth water waves and their interactions with moving objects.\N\NTo solve this problem, the authors employ a method based on the convolution integral of the measured wave elevation with an impulse response function. The novelty of this research lies in developing an analytical solution to the impulse response function for moving points, which is divided into three distinct time domains: small, middle, and large time domains. For each of these time domains, the authors derive the impulse response functions separately, using the finite-depth dispersion relation. The analytical solutions are then compared with numerical solutions derived from the inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) to validate their accuracy. Additionally, towing tank experiments were conducted to compare the analytical and numerical predictions with experimental results for both regular and irregular wave conditions.\N\NThe main findings of the manuscript reveal that the proposed analytical solution shows excellent agreement with the numerical solutions and experimental data for predicting both regular and irregular waves. The study demonstrates that the analytical model is valid within an optimal range of speeds and distances, with minimal non-causal effects. The authors also explore the limits of the analytical solution by determining the optimal region in terms of speed and distance, ensuring the solution's applicability to real-world maritime operations. The towing tank experiments confirmed the prediction accuracy of the model, with minimal discrepancies between predicted and experimental wave elevations, further establishing the robustness of the analytical approach.\N\NIn conclusion, this research presents a significant advancement in the field of deterministic sea wave prediction for moving vessels. The analytical solution developed in this paper is a valuable tool for predicting encounter water waves under head wave conditions, offering improved accuracy and computational efficiency compared to traditional numerical methods. Its successful validation through both numerical comparisons and experimental tests highlights its potential for practical applications in maritime engineering, where accurate short-term wave predictions are crucial for operational safety and efficiency. The paper's contributions pave the way for future research on multi-directional wave predictions and potential integrations with non-linear wave models for more complex maritime environments.