Performance of Formulations for Whitecapping in Wave Prediction Models

This paper describes work currently being carried out to examine possible methods to improve the computation of the dissipation by whitecapping in third generation wave prediction models. Such alternatives are needed to avoid unphysical dissipation behavior in the case of double-peaked wave spectra. First, an overview is given of the problems associated with the formulation for whitecapping that is now widely used in wave prediction models. Second, a summary is given of existing suggestions to improve the whitecapping formulation. Third, a number of examples are given with the new formulations to illustrate the potential improvements.Copyright © 2002 by ASME