Effects of Nonlinearities on Wave Power Estimates

Contours of relative errors between deterministic wave power estimates computed by the nonlinear numerical Dean Stream Function and by linear wave theory are graphically presented on the dimensionless relative wave steepness-relative water depth dissection plane. A contour of zero relative error is found to intersect the breaking index and to establish a lower bound for which the effect of nonlinearities on wave power estimates may be neglected for engineering purposes. Deterministic wave power estimates that are determined by linear wave theory should specifically identify the parameters of wave height, wave period, and water depth in order that the effect of nonlinearities on the magnitude of the wave power estimates may be evaluated.