A Spectral Feedback Compensation Technique for the Generation of Random Wave Fields

Abstract

Computer software was developed to control an electromechanical wave generator to accurately simulate random wave fields derived from mathematical spectral models. The software algorithm makes use of a spectral feedback control technique to improve accuracy and reliability in the continuous generation of random waves in the laboratory. Experiments were conducted to investigate the advantages of this closed-loop control technique over more commonly used open-loop random wave generation methods. The results show a decided advantage in using closed-loop control for the generation of random waves, especially for double-peak wave spectra and model testing purposes.