Effects of solitary wave breaking on the hydrodynamic performance of a submerged horizontal plate: A physical modeling study

Abstract

A series of physical model tests were conducted to investigate the solitary wave control performance of a submerged horizontal plate (SHP). Hydrodynamic coefficients were analyzed for a wide range of SHP specifications, placement conditions, and dimensionless factors. Three wave breaking types on the SHP were identified: non-breaking, collapsing breaker, and plunging breaker. Their correlation with modified wave breaking classification parameters and dimensionless factors was investigated. Indirect reflected waves resulting from backflow were found to take precedence over direct reflected waves generated by the fluid resistance of the SHP. The dissipation coefficient increased as the friction and shoaling effects of the SHP, along with the nonlinearity of the solitary wave, grew more pronounced. The indirect reflection coefficient and the transmission coefficient exhibited an inverse relationship. The reflection coefficient achieved its peak value, while the transmission coefficient attained its minimum value within specific ranges. Based on the modified parameters, the hydrodynamic coefficients exhibited similar distributions. The modified surf-similarity parameter was found to be more suitable for classifying wave breaking types and predicting dissipation coefficients than the other two parameters. These experimental results can be utilized as foundational data for the optimal design of SHPs in controlling solitary waves.