The Wave Directions tree object enables the definition of a range or single wave direction to use in the Hydrodynamic Diffraction analysis and, optionally, a forward speed at which the structures move in the positive X-direction.

If Type is set to Single Direction, Forward Speed, you can enter a structure Forward Speed and a Wave Direction. In this case, only a single wave direction can be analyzed.

Otherwise, the Hydrodynamic Diffraction analysis will be performed through a range of wave directions, which will depend on any Symmetric Planes that are defined in the Geometry details. The wave ranges are:

If Type is set to Range of Directions, No Forward Speed, waves are automatically created through the Wave Range, and either the Interval or the Number of Intermediate Directions can be specified. If a direction range is of particular interest, additional ranges or specific directions can be added.

If Type is set to 'Range of Directions, Forward Speed', you can enter a structure Forward Speed and perform the analysis over a range of wave directions. Waves are automatically created through the Wave Range, and either the Interval or the Number of Intermediate Directions can be specified. If a direction range is of particular interest, additional ranges or specific directions can be added.

To add Optional Wave Directions to analyses performed over a range of wave directions, select Single or Range from the Additional Range dropdown. For the Single direction, specify the Start Angle. For a Range of directions specify the Start Angle, End Angle, and either the Interval or No of Intermediate Directions.

Duplicated directions will automatically be removed. Although the number of directions does not contribute greatly to the analysis time, there is a limit imposed of a total of 41 directions for any one structure. This limit includes symmetric directions. Meaning the limit for a model with a single plane of symmetry is 21 directions through 180°, or for dual symmetry is 11 directions through 90°.