Glossary (in alphabetical order)
Boundary Layer:
The boundary layer is the layer of fluid in the immediate vicinity of a bounding surface. Right at the surface the flow has zero relative speed and this fluid transfers momentum to adjacent layers through the action of viscosity. Thus a thin layer of fluid with lower velocity than the outer flow develops. The requirement that the flow at the surface has no relative motion is the "no slip condition." [1][2]
Capture Width:
Capture width is defined as the ratio of the time-average energy flux generated across the interior free-surface of the chamber.
Diffraction:
involves a change in direction of waves as they pass through an opening or around a barrier in their path[5]
Heave:
Heave is a linear vertical (up/down) motion
Hydraulic Rams:
hydraulic rams are cyclic hydraulic pumps which take water, pressurise it and release it at a higher pressure.
Point Absorber:
A point absorber is a floating structure which absorbs energy from all directions through its movements at/near the water surface [3]
Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs):
OWCs are simple devices generally made up of a collector chamber and a Power Take-Off unit which convert wave energy into electricity (usually). For more information follow this link.
Pelton Turbine:
A type of Impulse Turbine where the head of water is converted into kinetic energy through a nozzle, the jet is directed onto curved buckets which spin producing electricity. [4]
Refraction:
involves a change in the direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another [5]
Swell Waves:
Waves with a low amplitude and long wavelength generated by winds over very long distances which are usually unaffected by wind waves (a local manifestation of the same effect)
Wells Turbine:
A low pressure air turbine which turns in the same direction regardless of the direction of air flow.
The boundary layer is the layer of fluid in the immediate vicinity of a bounding surface. Right at the surface the flow has zero relative speed and this fluid transfers momentum to adjacent layers through the action of viscosity. Thus a thin layer of fluid with lower velocity than the outer flow develops. The requirement that the flow at the surface has no relative motion is the "no slip condition." [1][2]
Capture Width:
Capture width is defined as the ratio of the time-average energy flux generated across the interior free-surface of the chamber.
Diffraction:
involves a change in direction of waves as they pass through an opening or around a barrier in their path[5]
Heave:
Heave is a linear vertical (up/down) motion
Hydraulic Rams:
hydraulic rams are cyclic hydraulic pumps which take water, pressurise it and release it at a higher pressure.
Point Absorber:
A point absorber is a floating structure which absorbs energy from all directions through its movements at/near the water surface [3]
Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs):
OWCs are simple devices generally made up of a collector chamber and a Power Take-Off unit which convert wave energy into electricity (usually). For more information follow this link.
Pelton Turbine:
A type of Impulse Turbine where the head of water is converted into kinetic energy through a nozzle, the jet is directed onto curved buckets which spin producing electricity. [4]
Refraction:
involves a change in the direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another [5]
Swell Waves:
Waves with a low amplitude and long wavelength generated by winds over very long distances which are usually unaffected by wind waves (a local manifestation of the same effect)
Wells Turbine:
A low pressure air turbine which turns in the same direction regardless of the direction of air flow.