Wave Steepness - Encounter Limit
Maximum wave steepness (H/λ) that a ship can encounter without breaking-wave slamming - operational limit for heavy weather routing.
Wavelength
126.5m
H/λ
0.047 -
Assessment
Moderate
Formula, assumptions, and limits
Miche breaking criterion H/λ > 1/7 = 0.143. Young storm seas H/λ = 0.08–0.12; fully developed 0.05–0.08. Breaking waves cause major green-water and slamming damage.
Symbol legend
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Significant wave height | m | metocean data | |
| Zero-upcrossing period | s | spectrum | |
| Wavelength (deep water) | m | dispersion |