Detection of wave groups from the motion behaviour of a discus buoy

A scale modeled discus data buoy was tested for its motion characteristics under the action of wave groups of different frequencies in a wave tank. The wave groups were theoretically simulated based on the methodology of Xu et al., (1993, Statistical simulation of wave groups, Applied Ocean Research, 15, 217-226) and then converted to paddle displacement signals to drive the wave maker. The motion responses of the buoy model were measured using potentiometers as well as with a non-contact motion tracking camera system. The details of the model, instrumentation, testing conditions and the analysis are presented. The displacement and wave elevation time histories were analysed through statistical, envelope, wavelet transform and phase-time approaches to detect the wave groupiness. The effect of groupiness parameters on the surge, heave and pitch motions of the buoy are detailed in this paper. © 2007 International Association for Hydraulic Engineering and Research, Asia Pacific Division.