Abstract
Based on a weakly non-Gaussian theory the occurrence probability of freak
waves is formulated in terms of the number of waves in a time series and
the surface elevation kurtosis. Finite kurtosis gives rise to a significant
enhancement of freak wave generation in comparison with the linear
narrow banded wave theory.
For fixed number of waves, the
estimated amplification ratio of freak wave occurrence due to the
deviation from the Gaussian theory is 50% - 300%.
The results of the theory are compared with laboratory and field data.
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