On Ship Wave Patterns and Their Spectra

Abstract

The one dimensional and two dimensional spectra of a ship wave pattern have been derived. It is shown that the spectra have distinct signatures containing information on speed, direction, shape, size, and wave resistance of the ship. The speed and direction are readily determined but the relationship of the spectrum to other ship characteristics requires further investigation. Some examples of detailed wave patterns in the wake of a parabolic sided ship have been computed.