SMS:Q&A BOUSS2D

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Q: How do you select a probe on a grid?

A: To select a probe, make sure you are in the Cartesian grid module by selecting the Cartesian Grid Data menu in the project explorer. Now, select the Select Grid Cell tool from the toolbar. Then, click on the cell where the probe was defined. The probe will turn a different color to show that it has been selected.

Q: What is the meaning of the Wave Height parameter in the Spectral Parameters section of the BOUSS-2D Wave Generator Properties dialog when a Regular wave type is selected?

A: The Wave Height parameter represents the average wave height (H_ave). This would be the ave height of all your waves. The H_ave is also referred to as the RMS (root mean squared) height. The adjustment between H_RMS and significant wave height (H_s) is the square root of 2 or 1.414.

Q: What is significant wave height?

A: Significant wave height (or H_s) is the average height of the highest 1/3 of your waves, which works out to be about 1.6 times your average wave height (or H_ave).

Q: What is the meaning of the Eta Time Series plots created at a probe?

A: These plots are measurements of the surface elevation over time. They represent the free surface of your simulation.

Q: What are the _instab.grd files created with the solution of a simulation?

A: The _instab.grd files represent a dataset of the unstable points of the grid where potential problems may occur. You can read these datasets into SMS and plot to better understand the meaning of them and to see where issues may arise on the grid.