Waves -QuickWave software

QuickWave software

The QuickWave software takes your AWAC, Aquadopp, Vector, or Aquadopp profiler data and calculates the wave directional spectrum.

For AWAC data, the wave spectrum is calculated using the Maximum Likelihood Method with Surface Tracking (MLM-ST). The MLM-ST uses Acoustic Surface Tracking (AST) from the AWAC to estimate the non-directional spectrum (wave height & period) and uses the three near-surface velocity cells to calculate the wave directional spectrum. In addition, the software calculates the peak wave period, the mean wave period and the directional spread.

For Aquadopp, Aquadopp Profiler and Vector data, the wave spectrum is calculated using the PUV method, meaning that the pressure is used to estimate the wave height and the two horizontal velocity components U and V are used to calculate the wave direction. In addition, the software calculates the peak wave period, the mean wave period and the directional spread.

The QuickWave software has a simple text-based interface. It reads the data file you have collected, checks the quality of the data, and generates a new ASCII file with the wave parameters. It also generates a separate file for the wave spectra so you have the opportunity to study the underlying physics in more detail. Since there is no graphical presentation of the results, it represents Nortek’s simplest solution to post processing of wave data. The only input required is the name of the file to be processed and the distance  the instrument was mounted off the bottom.

Example Wave Spectra

A demonstration version of the program is available. This program comes with a Aquadopp profiler data file and it gives you an idea of the program output and functions.

Demo Software: QuickWaveDemo.exe

Applications

Instruments used to collect PUV data should be deployed in 20 m of water or less. Because of the strong attenuation that comes into play for short waves, the method is primarily suited for wave situations dominated by swell or storm wave off the coast. The exception is the Vector, which can be mounted in very shallow water, and is suitable for also measuring locally generated wind waves. Read more about the possibilities and the limitations of the PUV method here (TN019)!

Specifications

Input

The following instruments can be used to calculate the wave directional spectrum:

  • AWAC data collected in wave mode
  • Aquadopp data collected in diagnostic mode (sample restrictions)
  • Aquadopp profiler data with data collected in wave mode
  • Vector data if collected using burst mode (sample restrictions)

Functionality

The wave parameters output includes the following parameters:

  • Hs - significant wave height (m)
  • Tm02 -mean zero crossing period (s)
  • Tp - peak period (s)
  • DirTp - direction at Tp (deg)
  • SprTp - spreading at Tp (deg)
  • MainDir; main wave direction (deg)
  • UI; unidirectivity index H3;

ErrCode - Error Code for bad data

The last parameter, nErrCode, indicates if the data was processed without any errors or the type of error encountered. The errors which are checked for are as follows:

  • No pressure signal (out of water)
  • Low pressure signal
  • Low Doppler signal strength
  • White noise test estimates out of bounds
  • Estimates out of bound

Output

  • ASCII file with all the wave parameters
  • ASCII file with the estimated surface spectrum for all times

System requirements

Any PC running Windows 98, XP, NT, 2000.

Additional Resources

Principles of wave directional spectra