Phase-resolved Prediction of Ocean Waves with a Distributed Fleet of Autonomous Surface Drones
Speaker: Dr. Reza Alam
Vice Chair and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
When: April, 10, 2025 | 3:30PM – 5:00 PM
Location: CEME Building, room 2202 (6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver)
Abstract:
Unpredictable ocean waves cost the shipping industry tens of billions of dollars annually in excess fuel consumption and emissions, a burden expected to grow as climate change intensifies marine conditions. Phase-resolved wave forecasts could enable vessels to make tactical, real-time adjustments that reduce drag, fuel use, and carbon output.
Effective prediction of waves hinges on two key elements: accurate knowledge of the current state, and a reliable method for projecting that state forward. This talk presents an ongoing initiative aimed at addressing both aspects through a combination of sensing infrastructure and mathematical modeling. On the sensing side, we deploy a fleet of self-powered autonomous sailboats that operate as a mobile sensor network, capturing real-time measurements of ocean surface conditions. For prediction, we are pursuing two parallel approaches: one rooted in physics-based models from nonlinear wave theory and fluid dynamics, and another using data driven methods to extract patterns from observations. I will highlight the mathematical challenges involved in wave reconstruction and forward prediction, including computational timeliness, sensitivity to initial conditions, and the influence of environmental complexities such as variable seabed topography, density stratification, and mud layers. This interdisciplinary work draws from physical oceanography, nonlinear wave dynamics, fluid mechanics, and autonomous systems engineering.
Biography:
Dr. Reza Alam is the Vice Chair and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where he holds the American Bureau of Shipping Chair in Ocean Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and joined the UC Berkeley faculty in 2011. His research focuses on theoretical fluid dynamics, ocean and coastal waves phenomena, ocean renewable energy, nonlinear dynamical systems, and fluid flow control.