Nonlinear Wave Theories
For waves in extreme conditions, such as when the wave amplitude is high (H/L is not close to zero), a more precise method is necessary to analyze a wave. There are three common methods to analyze nonlinear waves: Stokes 5th Order Wave Theory, Cnodial Wave Theory, and Stream Function Wave Theory. The Stokes 5th Order Wave Theory and the Cnodial Wave Theory provide effective analysis of nonlinear waves in deep and shallow water, respectively. However, they do so using a complex and lengthy mathematical method. The Stream Function Wave Theory is a numerical method of analyzing a wave and is recommended because of its precision. A Stream Function can be developed on the computer to almost any order and encompasses all of the aspects that Linear Wave Theory, Cnodial Theory, and Stokes Theory each address. Unlike most theories, the Stream Function more accurately accounts for kinematics when generating a solution, making this function more exact than others. The Stream Function can be analyzed in SACS.
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