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Wave Steepness - Encounter Limit

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Maximum wave steepness (H/λ) that a ship can encounter without breaking-wave slamming - operational limit for heavy weather routing.

Formula

$$ \text{Steepness} = H_s / \lambda, \quad \lambda = g T_z^2 / 2\pi $$

Symbol legend

SymbolMeaningUnitSource
$H_s$Significant wave heightmmetocean data
$T_z$Zero-upcrossing periodsspectrum
$\lambda$Wavelength (deep water)mdispersion

Sources

  • Miche - Annales des Ponts 1944.