# Orcaflex Environment Config Common Errors And Fixes

> Sub-skill of orcaflex-environment-config: Common Errors and Fixes (+2).

- Skill: `vamseeachanta/orcaflex-environment-config-common-errors-and-fixes` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add vamseeachanta/orcaflex-environment-config-common-errors-and-fixes`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/vamseeachanta/orcaflex-environment-config-common-errors-and-fixes/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: vamseeachanta (https://skillmd.com/u/vamseeachanta)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/vamseeachanta/orcaflex-environment-config-common-errors-and-fixes

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# Common Errors and Fixes (+2)

## Common Errors and Fixes


| Error | Cause | Fix |
|-------|-------|-----|
| `Change not allowed for 'WaveGamma'` | WaveGamma only valid for JONSWAP spectrum; set on wrong wave type | Set `WaveSpectrumType` to JONSWAP before setting WaveGamma |
| `Change not allowed for 'SeabedDamping'` | SeabedDamping only valid when `SeabedModel` is set appropriately | Set `SeabedModel` before seabed damping properties |
| `NumberOfCurrentLevels must be >= 2` | Current profile has only 1 depth point | Add at least 2 depth levels (surface + seabed) |
| `WaveHs` vs `WaveHeight` error | Using spectral property name on deterministic wave type | Use `WaveHeight`+`WavePeriod` for Airy/Dean; `WaveHs`+`WaveTp` for JONSWAP/PM |
| Unrealistic vessel drift in statics | Current direction is "from" vs "towards" convention mismatch | OrcaFlex current direction = direction current flows TOWARDS |
| Simulation crashes at startup | Hs too large for water depth (wave breaking) | Check Hs/d ratio; Hs should be < 0.6 * water_depth for shallow water |
| Wave spectrum has no energy at RAO frequencies | Tp too far from vessel natural periods | Ensure wave period range covers vessel response periods (4-25s typical) |

## Mode-Setting Property Order


OrcaFlex requires mode-setting properties to be set BEFORE dependent properties:

```python
# WRONG — gamma set before spectrum type
env.WaveGamma = 3.3
env.WaveSpectrumType = OrcFxAPI.wsJONSWAP  # Too late

# CORRECT — mode first, then dependent properties
env.WaveType = OrcFxAPI.wtIrregular
env.WaveSpectrumType = OrcFxAPI.wsJONSWAP
env.WaveGamma = 3.3  # Now valid
```

## Debugging Environment Issues


```python
def diagnose_environment(model):
    """Check environment configuration for common issues."""
    env = model.environment
    general = model.general
    issues = []

    # Check water depth vs wave height
    wd = general.WaterDepth
    if hasattr(env, 'WaveHs') and env.WaveHs > 0:

*See sub-skills for full details.*