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Wave Steepness - Encounter Limit

Maximum wave steepness (H/λ) that a ship can encounter without breaking-wave slamming - operational limit for heavy weather routing.

Wave steepnessEncounterLimit
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Formula, assumptions, and limits

Steepness=Hs/λ,λ=gTz2/2π\text{Steepness} = H_s / \lambda, \quad \lambda = g T_z^2 / 2\pi
SymbolMeaningUnit
HsH_sSignificant wave heightm
TzT_zZero-upcrossing periods
λ\lambdaWavelength (deep water)m

Source: Miche - Annales des Ponts 1944

In short

Maximum wave steepness (H/\u03bb) that a ship can encounter without breaking-wave slamming - operational limit for heavy weather routing.

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