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Updated: May 24, 2026
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Measurements of Waves in a Wind-wave Tank Under Steady and Time-varying Wind Forcing
Published on: February 13, 2018
Testing the effectiveness of monolayers under wind and wave conditions
C Palada1, P Schouten, C Lemckert
1School of Engineering, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Gold Coast, 4215, Australia. carlos.palada@griffithuni.edu.au
Summary
Monolayers reduce water evaporation but fail in harsh wind and waves. This study shows they are ineffective above 1.3 m/s wind speeds, but can reduce evaporation at lower speeds.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Water resource management
- Surface chemistry
Background:
- Monolayers offer cost-effective evaporation reduction for water reserves.
- Real-world wind and wave conditions often compromise monolayer effectiveness.
- Lack of comprehensive studies on combined wind-wave effects on monolayers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of simultaneous wind and wave conditions on monolayer performance.
- To analyze the efficacy of a benchmark octadecanol monolayer under varying environmental stresses.
- To establish application protocols for optimized monolayer deployment in water management.
Main Methods:
- Experimental analysis of a benchmark octadecanol monolayer.
- Simulated application of combined wind and wave conditions.
- Measurement of monolayer integrity and evaporation rates under different wind speeds.
Main Results:
- Monolayers remained intact under wave-only conditions.
- Combined wind and waves caused monolayer breakup and down-wind accumulation.
- Monolayers were ineffective at wind speeds exceeding 1.3 m/s.
- Evaporation reduction was observed at wind speeds below 1.3 m/s, dependent on wind speed.
Conclusions:
- Monolayer performance is significantly degraded by combined wind and wave action.
- Wind speed is a critical factor determining monolayer effectiveness.
- Optimized deployment protocols are needed for effective use of monolayers in water conservation.
