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CHAPTER VIII 

 CONCLUSIONS 



This thesis has presented a description of the design, 

 development, and evaluation of a new type of directional wave 

 monitor. The work undertaken in the preparation of this thesis 

 indicates that differential pressure transducers used with an 

 absolute pressure transducer, as employed in the DPG directional wave 

 monitor, appear capable of generating accurate estimates of wave 

 direction using the first five directional Fourier coefficients as 

 determined from direct measurements of water surface displacement and 

 slope. This conclusion is based upon the comparison of analyzed data 

 from the DPG with estimates from the CERC radar located at the CERC 

 Field Research Facility, Duck, N.C. The relatively small dimensions 

 and light weight of the DPG system, (two-fifths the size and less 

 than one-seventh the weight of conventional pressure sensor arrays) , 

 allowed a smooth, relatively simple field installation. The DPG, as 

 designed, should similarly allow for easy retrieval and re-deployment 

 of the instrument for maintenance purposes. 



