Rogue waves: from nonlinear Schrödinger breather solutions to sea-keeping test

PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e54629. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054629. Epub 2013 Feb 6.

Abstract

Under suitable assumptions, the nonlinear dynamics of surface gravity waves can be modeled by the one-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Besides traveling wave solutions like solitons, this model admits also breather solutions that are now considered as prototypes of rogue waves in ocean. We propose a novel technique to study the interaction between waves and ships/structures during extreme ocean conditions using such breather solutions. In particular, we discuss a state of the art sea-keeping test in a 90-meter long wave tank by creating a Peregrine breather solution hitting a scaled chemical tanker and we discuss its potential devastating effects on the ship.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Gravitation*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Oceans and Seas*

Grants and funding

The authors were supported by the E.U. project EXTREME SEAS (SCP8-GA-2009-234175). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.