Wave-field prediction based on radar snapshots taken on a moving vessel

Abstract This paper presents a framework that is capable of producing phase-resolved wave-field prediction in real-time based on radar measurements taken off a moving vessel. Phase-resolved wave prediction capability is essential in providing the operating environment that an autonomous vessel would encounter in order to plan for maneuvering and pathway. We use Higher Order Spectral (HOS) method to generate synthetic short-crested wave-field. Based on the snapshots of wave-field as would be obtained by an X-band radar mounted on a moving vessel, we perform wave-field reconstruction and propagation using a predictive model based on linear wave theory to produce predictions of encountered wave-field in real-time. Comparisons are made between the predicted encountered wave-field and the underlying synthetic wave-field, and reasonably good agreement can be achieved considering the use of low-order model. The wave prediction capability can be further evolved into the prediction of vessel motion and structural response.