1R10. Ocean Waves and Oscillating Systems: Linear Interactions Including Wave-Energy Extraction. - J Falnes (Dept of Phys, Norwegian Univ of Sci and Tech NTNU, Trondheim, Norway). Cambridge UP, Cambridge, UK. 2002. 275 pp. ISBN 0-521-78211-2. $75.00.
Reviewed by M Perlin (Dept of Naval Architec and Marine Eng, Univ of Michigan, 208 NAME Bldg, Ann Arbor MI 48109).
This book is focused on linear theory and interactions of ocean waves and oscillating systems as its title implies. In general, the text is well written, the topics considered are appropriate for the subject, and the text construction is of high quality (recently, several books this reviewer has purchased have literally self-destructed, and hence the last comment). The presentation of the material is rapid in Chapter 2 (mechanical oscillations, state space, and Fourier treatment is considered—a nice review of the material, but too brief for initial exposure). Chapter 3 is a brief discussion of waves including some basics, and a terse discussion of waves and oscillators. Chapter 4 is a detailed discussion of energy and momentum (including irregular ocean waves) of linear surface gravity waves in two dimensions, both plane and circular, derived from the equations of conservation of mass and momentum. Interaction between waves and floating and submerged bodies is the subject of Chapter 5. Chapters 6 and 7 are a discussion of wave energy absorption/interactions by oscillating bodies and fixed-cavity chambers. One absent topic that would have enhanced the coverage of the text is examples/case studies of actual energy extracting devices and their success or failure and in situ efficiency, for example.
For researchers, the text is suitable for reference, however, it is more suitable as a textbook for graduate instruction. Although not numerous, the figures and tables are fine and used where necessary; the equations are formatted nicely and appear to have been thoroughly proofed; and the index is adequate. Although the author’s first five chapters represent a credible undertaking, much of this material is already available in course-text form (eg. in the texts by Dean and Dalrymple, by Newman, and by Mei). On the other hand, as the discussions are subject appropriate and high quality, and Chapters 6 and 7 are somewhat unique in their coverage, at only $75, Ocean Waves and Oscillating Systems: Linear Interactions Including Wave-Energy Extraction is worth purchasing.
