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Bretschneider Spectrum - Spectral Density

Spectral density S(ω) of the two-parameter Bretschneider spectrum at angular frequency ω given significant wave height H_s and modal period T_p.

BretschneiderSpectrumWave
Spectral density
2.052m²·s/rad
Formula, assumptions, and limits

Used for developed seas in open ocean. For North Atlantic design use ITTC spectrum (same form, different coefficients). Fit to measured H_s and T_p is adequate for most motion analyses.

Symbol legend

SymbolMeaningUnitSource
Significant wave heightmmetocean data
Modal (peak) periodsspectrum
Angular frequencyrad/sanalysis mesh