Directional Wave-Spectra Monitoring Horizontal-Spar Buoy

A center-tethered lightly ballasted spar will be driven parallel to the crests of a uni-directional wavetrain. The application of this phenomenon has been proposed in the design of a wave direction monitoring buoy. Such a system would provide a reliable and inexpensive means for measurement of the direction of the maximum wave energy in an ocean environment. The performance of this system is discussed from both a theoretical and an operational point of view. Model and field test results are presented which reaffirm the viability of the design, with potential developments postulated.