Deepwater Wave Phase Speed Calculator
Linear deepwater gravity-wave phase speed gT/(2pi); finite-depth and capillary effects omitted.
Description
Calculate linear deep-water phase speed from wave period.
In the deep-water linear gravity-wave model, wave period determines phase speed for a chosen gravitational acceleration.
When to use this tool
Calculate linear deep-water phase speed from wave period. Use it when the input measurements and conventions below match the operation you need.
- Prepare periodSeconds, gravityMPerS2, respecting the measurement basis and boundaries below.
- Compare the worked example with your intended operation before reusing its result.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter every field in the input table using the stated units and exact supported selector spelling where applicable.
- Run the tool. Correct input errors before interpreting an output.
- Read the result fields below; use accompanying flags and the stated sign, boundary or model convention when interpreting a number.
For positive period T and acceleration g, the tool calculates phase speed as g times T divided by 2 pi.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| periodSeconds | Period seconds. Seconds. | Finite number; greater than zero |
| gravityMPerS2 | Gravity m per s2. Meters per second squared. | Finite number; greater than zero |
| Output field | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| result | Object containing the following named result fields. |
| result.phaseSpeedMPerS | Phase speed mper s; use the stated units and sign convention. |
{
"input": {
"periodSeconds": 2,
"gravityMPerS2": 3.141592653589793
},
"output": {
"result": {
"phaseSpeedMPerS": 1
}
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Deep-water conditions are an input assumption. The tool does not test wavelength relative to depth or calculate group speed and wave breaking.
- Every declared field is required and unexpected fields are rejected. Numeric inputs must be finite; input errors are distinct from a valid false result or an explicitly qualified output.
- Extremely large inputs and nonfinite or excessively large outputs are rejected. List positions reported by the tool use zero-based indices unless stated otherwise.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Compare the result with independently checked observations or a model that covers the omitted dynamics. Use compatible frames, units and sampling conventions when carrying the value into another calculation. Compare the scope of the nearby tools below before substituting one.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- baroclinic rossby wave speed
Baroclinic Rossby waves have a westward beta-plane phase speed modified by wave numbers and deformation radius.
- Group Velocity Deepwater Half Phase Calculator
Linear deepwater gravity-wave group velocity half phase velocity; no general finite-depth factor.