Characteristics of wave propagation in a sloping-wall-type wave absorber

Abstract

The objective of this study is to observe and optimize a typical ocean environment and reduce wave reflections in the wave flume. In order to generate ocean waves in the wave flume, a combination of a horizontal piston type wave generator and wave absorbers was installed in the channel. Two probes for measuring the wave heights, i.e., wave level gauges, were used to record the continuous variation of the wave surface, the phase difference, and the maximum (crest) and minimum (trough) points of the propagating waves. In order to optimize the shape and size of the propagating waves, several absorption methods were proposed. Apart from an active wave absorption method, we used methods that involved vertical porous plates, horizontal punching plates, and sloping-wall-type wave absorbers. To obtain the best propagating waves, a sloping-wall-type wave absorber was chosen and tested in terms of the constitutive filling materials and the location and shape of the plate. This study also focused on the theoretical prediction of the wave surface, separating them into the incident and reflective components. From the results, it is evident that the wave absorber comprising a hard filling material exhibits a better performance than the absorber comprising a soft material, i.e., the wave absorber can be a strong sink to control the energy of the incoming wave. In addition, larger wave absorbers correspond to lower reflectance because a larger volume can reduce the incoming wave energy. Therefore, at constant absorber conditions, the reflectance of the wave increases as the wave period increases. Finally, the reflectance of the wave was controlled to be less than 0.1 in this study so that the wave flume can be used to simulate an offshore environment.