Wave-induced current for long-crested and short-crested random waves

Abstract

This paper provides a simple analytical tool which can be used to calculate the wave-induced current beneath long-crested (2D) and short-crested (3D) random waves. The approach is based on assuming the waves to be a stationary narrow-band random process and by adopting the Forristall (2000) wave crest height distribution representing both 2D and 3D Stokes second order random waves. An example is included to illustrate the applicability of the results for practical purposes using data typical for field conditions; the significant values of the Stokes drift and transport in deep water and in finite water depth are calculated. The present analytical results can be used to make assessment of the wave-induced current based on available wave statistics.