Master of Arts (M.A.)
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Steps in wave-ray construction are as follows:
1) Select wave periods and approach angles for each series of rays to be constructed.
2) Prepare a grid of depth values for the area of investigation.
3) Use a computer program to obtain a table of water depths and related wave velocities for each wave pe:r.'iod selected in (1).
4) Make a grid of wave-velocity values for each wave period selected in (1), for the area of investigation, using a second computer program which takes as input the depth grid of ( 2) and tho appropriate depth-velocity table of (3).
5) Derive, using a third computer program, matrices for use in the linear interpolation scheme of the computer program of (6).
6) Calculate for each wave period specified in (1), the points along a wave ray using a computer program which takes for input:
(a) the appropriate velocity grid of (4),
(b) the matrices of (5),
(c) the origin points and approach angles of (1) for given wave rays.
A linear-interpolation scheme (using the least-squares method) is used in determination of wave velocity at a given point along a ray. Ray curvature is then calculated at this point and an iteration procedure is solved to obtain the position of the next point. The ray terminates at the shore or gird border.
The procedure outlined is in the developmental stage, and suggestions fo1" improvements are given that should offer a quick, accurate, and objective method of constructing wave rays.
© The Author
Wilson, W. Stanley, "Improving a Method for Numerical Construction of Wave Rays" (1964). Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects. William & Mary. Paper 1539617385.