Wave reflection by a submerged cycloidal breakwater in presence of a beach with different depth profiles

Abstract

In this work, formulas for the reflection and transmission coefficients of one-dimensional linear water waves propagating over a submerged structure with a cycloidal cross section in presence of a sloping beach are determined. In the specialized literature, the previous coefficients are obtained mainly for the limit of linear water waves, considering that the water depth upstream and downstream of the structure is flat. For the analysis, we have obtained an approximate analytical solution to the dimensionless Modified Mild-Slope Equation, which models the interactions of a wide range of water waves, from short waves to long waves. The results shown that the presence of small breakwaters not always generate increments on the reflection coefficients, but on the contrary case they contribute to the reflection of the waves decreasing, which is due to the interference of energy that exists between the inclined beach and the structure. To validate the approximate analytical solution, we present a comparison against analytical solutions reported in the specialized literature, obtained with the aid of linear long wave theory, and a numerical solution, all the solutions adjust properly. Results of this study are expected to be used by coastal engineers for preliminary feasibility and desk design of submerged cycloidal breakwaters.