Experimental Optimization of Extreme Wave Sequences for the Deterministic Analysis of Wave/Structure Interaction

For the deterministic analysis of wave/structure interaction in the sense of cause-reaction chains, and for analyzing structure responses due to special wave sequences (e.g., three sisters phenomenon or other rogue wave groups) methods for the precise generation of tailored wave sequences are required. Applying conventional wave generation methods, the creation of wave trains satisfying given local wave parameters, and the generation of wave groups with predefined characteristics is often difficult or impossible, if sufficient accuracy is required. In this paper we present an optimization approach for the experimental generation of wave sequences with defined characteristics. The method is applied to generate scenarios with a single high wave superimposed to irregular seas. The optimization process is carried out in a small wave tank. The resulting control signal is then transferred to a large wave tank considering the electrical, hydraulic and hydrodynamical response amplitude operators (RAOs) of the respective wave generator in order to investigate wave/structure interaction at a large scale.