Real-time phase-resolved ocean wave prediction in directional wave fields: Second-order Lagrangian wave models

The Improved Choppy Wave Model (ICWM) was established to achieve a second-order Lagrangian expansion of surface waves. The second-order Lagrangian nonlinear interaction terms were found to be negligible and were therefore discarded. However, these interactions in directional wave fields remained unexplored. ICWM was successfully used, especially for floating offshore wind turbines, but it was noted that its accuracy in predicting directional sea states needed improvement. Hence, we formulated the Complementary ICWM (CICWM) with the nonlinear terms for free surface elevation in directional waves. Detailed formulations for data assimilation and wave propagation were provided, enabling real-time wave forecasting for directional seas using a simplified assimilation method. Comparing the model performances against tank-scale experiments showed that CICWM enhances the surface elevation description in directional seas. Ultimately, it was confirmed that the second-order Lagrangian model can reduce the prediction error of the linear wave model by 90% in directional seas for the experimental setups and sea states investigated in this study. • A Lagrangian model with second-order nonlinear interactions is developed. • The model enables real-time forecasting in directional seas using simplified assimilation. • The model reduces wave prediction error by 90% compared to linear model in directional seas.