Design Curves for Hinged Wavemakers: Theory

Dimensionless theoretical design curves for hinged wavemakers of variable draft are extended, within the limits of linearized potential wave theory, to wave flume geometries consisting of two constant depth domains separated by a gradually sloping transition region. These design curves are examined for the following: hydrodynamic pressure moment, moment arm, relative moment phase angle, and the ratio of the wavemaker stroke to the propagating wave height. The dimensionless design curves are shown to demonstrate the effects of wave flume and wavemaker geometry on the minimum inertial wave pressure moment on the wavemaker flap better than tabular lookup methods. The effects of nondimensional wavemaker parameters on the dimensionless wavemaker power curves are explored, and they are compared to the energy flux in a propagating periodic wave. Convergence of the eigenfunction expansion for the wavemaker velocity for hinged wavemakers of variable depth is examined numerically.