Wave scattering by inverted trapezoidal porous boxes using dual boundary element method

Abstract

A numerical model is developed based on the dual boundary element method (DBEM) to solve the problem of surface gravity waves past multiple floating inverted trapezoidal porous boxes under the framework of linear potential flow theory. The continuity of velocity and semi-empirical quadratic pressure drop equation is adopted on the porous boundary to incorporate the effect of incident wave amplitude on the energy loss coefficient. Various results by an array of inverted trapezoidal porous boxes are discussed in the form of scattering coefficients (wave reflection, transmission, and energy loss coefficients), and force coefficients (horizontal force, vertical force, and moment). The verification of the numerical model is carried out by an independently developed multi-domain boundary element method (MBEM) code, and also with results available in the literature. The study reveals that, in most cases, the long waves exhibit insignificant hindrance whereas intermediate waves delineate the harmonic oscillations and deep water waves feel maximal hindrance by inverted trapezoidal porous boxes. The wave damping of KL≥0.95 is obtained for structural width B/λ≥0.66 by a pair of identical inverted trapezoidal porous boxes. The angle of porous wings is helpful to alter the scattering coefficients and also helps in the fine-tuning of force coefficients. The angle of partially open wings within 300≤θ≤600 is suggested along with structural porosity μ=0.25 for effective constriction of incident waves. The parametric analysis will be useful in the meticulous design of cost-effective breakwaters.