Observation and propagation of wave groups to improve the proceedings of the maritime operation

Abstract

One way to increase the operability of the naval platform is to predict its future motions. To predict these future motions it is necessary to know the future environmental conditions and more especially the waves incoming to the naval platform. To know the incoming waves it is necessary to observe them upstream with an optical or electromagnetic sensor and propagate them down to the future position of the naval platform. This knowledge of the future waves can be decisive for engaging critical phase of maritime operations, like the launch and recovery of helicopters and drones…Among the observed waves, some of them called "dangerous waves" can induce high ship motions which carry on a cancellation of the launch or land of a helicopter. Dangerous is not about tsunami or rogue waves here, but rather relatively energetic waves (higher, steeper than average) that can transfer kinetic energy to the ship. Often these waves occur in groups. The aim of this article is to present a simple and pragmatic method based on an energetic approach to find these "dangerous waves" out of the observed surface by the waves sensors and propagate them up to a desired position. Results of the propagation of the identified "dangerous waves" are presented for simulated surface elevation of open ocean, obtained by using the software HOS-ocean. (Abstract)