Wave Forces Research Articles

Development of the Viscous Plane Damper Applicable in Limited Space within Structures Subjected to Dynamic Loads

Shipping impact and wave loads impose dynamic loads on jetties and platforms in the sea, which cause the vibration of structures. Recently, many advanced viscous damper devices have been developed for implementation in structures to diminish structural vibration due to earthquakes or wind. However, the longitudinal configuration of conventional viscous damper devices requires adequate space to locate the damper device within the frame structure, which limits the application of viscous dampers for use in jetties or platforms to dissipate the vibrations imposed by ship impact or wave force. For this reason, in this study, an attempt has been made to develop a new viscous plane damper device applicable in limited space positions where the longitudinal damper device is not able to fit. For this purpose, the initial design for the viscous plane damper device is proposed, and the prototype of the device is manufactured. Then, the performance of the fabricated viscous plane damper is examined through experimental tests by applying cyclic loads using a dynamic actuator. In order to investigate the effect of the diameter and configuration of the piston’s orifices, five different diameters for the orifices of 1, 2, 5, 8, and 10 mm are included, and three different distribution configurations of the orifices in the piston plate as Configurations A, B, and C are manufactured and tested experimentally. The lab testing is conducted by applying cyclic loads with different frequencies to evaluate the performance of the developed plane damper device under various load velocities. Accordingly, the dynamic performance of the damper device, including the damping force, effective damping and stiffness and the energy dissipation capacity obtained from the hysteresis response (force–displacement result), is investigated. The results of the experimental tests prove the functionality of the developed device to generate the desired damping force and vibration energy dissipation during applied cyclic loads. Therefore, the new plane damper device can be implemented in any structure to dissipate the effect of imposed vibration.

Hydrodynamic optimization and performance verification of fairings for round-ended cofferdams using dam-break wave experiments and numerical simulations

Round-ended cofferdams are crucial for large-scale marine projects but are vulnerable to the complex marine environment, including waves, tides, and storms. Enhancing the hydrodynamic performance of these cofferdams is essential for improving safety and efficiency in marine construction. This study introduces a novel fairing design aimed at reducing water flow resistance during the quasi-stable stage of a tsunami. The flow field is analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and an adaptive surrogate model is employed to optimize the parameterized fairing shape. The results demonstrate that the optimized shape significantly suppresses vortex shedding, leading to a 16.59 % reduction in the drag coefficient and a 44.3 % reduction in the lift coefficient under flow conditions. Experimental and numerical simulations of dam-break waves are conducted for two designs, R1 and R0. By comparing their flow field and force characteristics, it is found that R1 effectively separates waves during the impulse stage, reduces wave climb height, and decreases impact loads. In the quasi-stable stage, R1 mitigates the blockage effect, reducing the liquid level difference between the front and back, and thus lowering flow forces. Experimental data further reveals that when the downstream is a dry riverbed, R1′s load reduction is particularly notable, with maximum reductions of 45.62 % in the impulse stage and 28.75 % in the quasi-stable stage. When the riverbed is wet, the maximum load reduction rates are 18.04 % and 8.72 %, respectively. Therefore, R1 not only reduces the resistance of round-end cofferdams under water currents but also under extreme wave forces, providing valuable insights for advancing ocean engineering design.

Existence of forced waves and gap formations for a Lotka-Volterra competition system with nonlocal dispersal in a time periodic shift habitat

This paper is devoted to the study of a class of time periodic Lotka-Volterra competition system with nonlocal dispersal and shifting habitats. By using some known results of the periodic KPP model and employing the iterative techniques, we prove that there exist two positive numbers $c_{0}(d_{1})$ and $c_{0}(d_{2})$ such that the system admits a forced wave provided that the forcing speed $c\in(-c_{0}(d_{2}),c_{0}(d_{1}))$. In addition, based on the theoretical results, we show that the gap formations exist for $c>c_{0}(d_{1})$ and $c<-c_{0}(d_{2})$.

Propagation of underwater wave groups in a compressible ocean coupled with an elastic seafloor

The overall system of interest is an infinite half-space in which a compressible ocean is the top layer and an elastic seafloor (together with the crust beneath) forms a semi-infinite bottom layer. Whereas water-column compression waves and seafloor waves individually have received considerable attention, not much is known about their propagation as groups. This work utilizes the group behaviour of these waves to derive energy balance relations for wavenumber spectra for wave groups propagating through a mildly non-uniform water-column–seafloor system. Dispersion relations for the coupled system are derived using known kinematic and kinetic conditions at the interface, and free and forced wave solutions for the wavenumber spectra are obtained, with particular attention to the case when certain frequency–wavenumber combinations in the forcing excite the two-media system into resonance. Wavenumber spectra predicted using the theory for mildly non-uniform media are found to be close to those predicted assuming uniform media, though the effect of non-uniformity becomes more noticeable as the groups propagate farther from the generation area. Here, nonlinear interactions among stationary, random multi-directional surface-wave fields provide the forcing for groups of compression waves in the water and surface waves on the seafloor. The formulation includes the cumulative effect of multiple generation areas along the group propagation direction. Comparisons with observational data from a sensor array in the Atlantic Ocean indicate that the theory can be applied to reconstruct plausible combinations of generation areas and interaction times that are consistent with the measured data, for deriving approximate predictions at down-wave distances along the group propagation directions. Implications of this and other findings are discussed for (i) the potential for energy conversion from water-column compression waves on the seafloor, (ii) tracking of tropical cyclones from the seafloor, and (iii) quantification and comparative assessment of low-frequency mid-ocean ambient noise and microseism activity.

Effects of gap entrance configuration on gap resonances between two free-heaving barges: Higher-order harmonics

The hydrodynamic characteristics of linear and nonlinear gap resonances between two identical side-by-side free-heaving barges are investigated in a numerical wave tank based on the constrained interpolation profile method. This study focuses on the influence of the gap entrance configuration on key hydrodynamic parameters during gap resonances, comparing conditions of round and square edges. Additionally, the effects of incident wave height and the barge's heave responses are examined. The distributions of the first four harmonic components of the key parameters are illustrated, including the wave elevation at the gap, wave run-up on each barge, and wave forces. Numerical results reveal that the gap entrance configuration influences more on the linear gap resonance rather than the nonlinear gap resonances. The higher-order components of the wave elevation at the gap are more sensitive to the incident wave height rather than the edge shape. The influences of the edge shape on the wave forces are mainly manifested in the magnitude of the wave forces rather than in their tendencies. Furthermore, the response time during the development stage of gap resonance is analyzed. The findings indicate that gap resonance develops more quickly with square edges or when the incident wave height increases.

Toward the Direct Simulation of the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation in a Global Storm‐Resolving Model

AbstractThis study presents the first attempt to simulate a full cycle of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) in a global storm‐resolving model (GSRM) that explicitly simulates deep convection and gravity waves instead of parameterizing them. Using the Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic (ICON) model with horizontal and vertical resolutions of about and , respectively, we show that an untuned state‐of‐the‐art GSRM is already on the verge of simulating a QBO‐like oscillation of the zonal wind in the tropical stratosphere for the right reasons. ICON shows overall good fidelity in simulating the QBO momentum budget and the downward propagation of the QBO jets in the upper QBO domain (25–35 km). In the lowermost stratosphere, however, ICON does not simulate the downward propagation of the QBO jets to the tropopause. This is the result of a pronounced lack of QBO wave forcing, mainly on planetary scales. The lack of planetary‐scale wave forcing in the lowermost stratosphere is caused by an underestimation of planetary‐scale wave momentum fluxes entering the stratosphere. We attribute this lack of planetary‐scale wave momentum fluxes to a substantial lack of convectively coupled equatorial waves (CCEWs) in the tropical troposphere. Therefore, we conclude that in ICON, simulating a realistic spatio‐temporal variability of tropical deep convection, in particular CCEWs, is currently the main roadblock toward simulating a reasonable QBO. To overcome this intermediate situation, we propose to aim at an improved explicit simulation of tropical deep convection by retuning the remaining parameterizations of cloud microphysics and vertical diffusion, and by increasing the horizontal resolution.

Two-dimensional one-way coupled modelling for fluid-structure-seabed interactions around a semicircular breakwater using OpenFOAM

Semicircular breakwaters, preferred for their lighter weight, wider base and superior resistance to overturning and sliding, have seen focused research on wave forces and hydrodynamic performance. Despite documented failures due to seabed instability, numerical examinations of the seabed response and stability around these structures are lacking in the literature. This study establishes an OpenFOAM model to numerically investigate hydrodynamic interactions, structural dynamics, seabed consolidation and liquefaction potential near a semicircular breakwater in two-dimensional, addressing complex fluid–structure-seabed interactions in a one-way coupling manner. A novel method for determining the compressibility of the pore fluid has been implemented, which integrates geostatic stress, atmospheric pressure and wave-induced excessive pore pressure within the seabed. The numerical results indicate that seabed responses are sensitive to the bulk modulus of pore air in partially saturated cases, where a decrease in pore pressure, an increase in the vertical effective stress and a decrease in the horizontal effective stress are observed. Further numerical analysis reveals that the most vulnerable part of the breakwater appears on the wave-facing side of the caisson, where reinforcement measurements are recommended during construction. A pronounced liquefaction zone is observed ahead of the breakwater, corresponding to the area with upward seepage, which is attributed to the combined effect of hydrodynamic interactions and direct stress action transferred from the semicircular breakwater.

Investigation on flooding dynamic response and mitigation measure of river bridge

Flood-induced failure of river bridges is intense due to frequently extreme and undesigned precipitation for global climate change. To reveal the dynamic characteristics and failure mechanism of bridges, flooding dynamic analysis is fully investigated via fluid–structure interaction simulation and Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method. Parametric analysis of different fluids and bridge configurations and pre-ballast mitigation measure are further conducted based on a simply-supported box-girder bridge. This study reveals several significant findings: the narrow channel can accelerate downstream flood velocity of the bridge piers to over double that of the upstream flow; moreover, unsubmerged piers experience vertical downward wave force surpassing buoyancy; the box girders exhibit three flood-response states, i.e., intact, slip and collapse, dependent on the hydraulic loading and bridge resistance capacity. Maximum horizontal wave force and displacement increase exponentially with the depth of water storage. Post-slip damage, bearing stress on the wave-facing side tends towards zero, while the wave-backing side presents a twofold increase. Maximum horizontal displacement (Xmax) distinguishes the failure states, such as 0 m ≤ Xmax ≤ 0.03 m (intact), 0.03 m < Xmax ≤ 1.39 m (slip), Xmax > 1.39 m (collapse), whose relation to the maximum horizontal wave force has been proposed for design reference and the inversion analysis of the bridge force. Applying a pre-ballast equivalent to 75 % of girder weight reduces Xmax by up to 91.5 %, shifting failure from collapse to slip. These insights offer crucial guidance for enhancing bridge safety amidst escalating flood risks.

Enhanced high-frequency continualization scheme for inertial beam-lattice metamaterials

A multifield continualization technique is introduced that offers a thermodynamically consistent description of the constitutive and dispersive properties of beam-lattice inertial metamaterials with periodic microstructures. The balance equations governing the mechanics of the discrete Lagrangian system are appropriately handled using an innovative continualization scheme to derive an equivalent integral-type continuum model. Based on formal Taylor series expansion of the integral kernels or the corresponding pseudo-differential functions incorporating shift operators and appropriate pseudo-differential downscaling laws, the proposed multifield enhanced continualization scheme allows the derivation of a gradient-type continuum model of given rank and equivalent to lattices. Two different resolution techniques are proposed. Firstly, the corresponding infinite-order average differential equations are tackled using a perturbative approach to describe the forced Bloch wave propagation in the metamaterial. Secondly, higher-order continuum models are employed through proper differential equation truncation to characterize the dispersive properties of the metamaterial in both high- and low-frequency regimes. Moreover, an energetically consistent generalized equivalent Micropolar continua, with non-local inertial terms, are here identified. The multifield continualization procedure is applied to two-dimensional periodic microstructures with tetrachiral, hexachiral, and hexa-tetrachiral topologies. Illustrative examples highlight the ability of the equivalent continuum model to accurately describe the effective constitutive properties of inertial metamaterials with periodic microstructures and to define a dynamic response consistent with the discrete Lagrangian model, validated and tested through virtual experimental verification under free and forced wave conditions.

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) force myography sensor for muscle force output identification

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) force myography sensor for muscle force output identification

Subaerial Profiles at Two Beaches: Equilibrium and Machine Learning

AbstractShoreline position (e.g., beach width) is a critical component of flooding and overtopping forecasts but difficult to predict accurately. We model beach width changes with a supervised machine learning (ML) approach informed by equilibrium principles. The time history of wave energy anomalies that force equilibrium models is used as an ML input feature. The sweeping simplifying equilibrium model assumptions relating beach width change to anomalies are replaced with data‐based ML results. Supervised learning regression methods including linear, support vector, decision trees, and ensemble regressors are tested. Observations for model training and testing includes weekly to quarterly beach elevation surveys spanning approximately 500 m alongshore and 8 years at two beaches, each supplemented with several months of ∼100 sub‐weekly surveys. These beaches, with different sediment types (sand vs. sand‐cobble mix), both widen in summer in response to the seasonal wave climate, in agreement with a generic equilibrium model. Differences in backshore erodability contribute to differing beach responses in the stormiest (El Niño) year that are reproduced by a simple extra trees regression model but not by the equilibrium model. With sufficiently extensive training data, the ML model outperforms equilibrium by providing flexibility and complexity in the response to wave forcing. The present ML and equilibrium models both fail to simulate a uniquely stunted beach recovery unlike other recoveries in the training data.

Structural and hydrodynamic modelling of the probability of breakage of branching and plate coral colonies

Climate change is amplifying the intensity of severe weather events, with coastal regions such as coral reefs facing heightened vulnerability to cyclonic wave forces. Structural models to predict bending stress and breakage of corals have been developed for coral colonies to enhance comprehension and prediction of the effects of hydrodynamic disturbances on coral reefs. However, there is scope for improving these predictions by evolving the methodology for quantifying complicated and variable coral morphologies. This study aims to predict breakage thresholds for two of the most prevalent coral morphologies: branching and plate corals (using Acropora muricata and Acropora hyacinthus as study species). Laboratory and field measurements were taken to assess coral morphologies and material characteristics. Morphological features of 47 branching colonies and 100 plate colonies were surveyed at the study site (Heron Reef, southern GBR) and the tensile strength of 80 coral samples was obtained by in situ and laboratory testing. Three-dimensional structural models of branching and plate coral colonies were developed, encompassing multiple coral colonies with varying morphological patterns from relatively shallow (5-7 m) to deep (9-12 m) zones. Model results were calibrated and verified with existing data, revealing that velocity thresholds of 1.7 m/s and 5.0 m/s would destroy 90% of the simulated branching coral structures growing in the deep and shallow parts of the forereef zone, respectively. In contrast, the plate corals have sufficient margins of safety even in extreme flow conditions (7 m/s). Additionally, skeletal strength and structural performance were adjusted based on varying degrees of bioerosion inside the coral skeleton. A higher probability of breakage was observed as the extent of bioerosion increased. The laboratory experiments of hydrodynamic loads on coral colony show that the sheltering effect due to one or two neighbouring colonies in the upwave direction is negligible. These models can be easily adjusted to provide predictions for other coral species, shapes, levels of bioerosion, and locations (e.g., sheltered or exposed areas). Comprehensive predictions about the level of expected damage and rubble generation in different areas can be used in reef management planning and restoration prioritization.

On peridynamic acoustics

We consider a nonlocal (peridynamic) version of the classical forced wave equation. This scalar three-dimensional equation contains a weight function (the “micromodulus”) and a length parameter (the “horizon”) that have to be selected. We investigate various properties (the locality limit as the horizon shrinks, plane waves and group velocity), paying attention to how these properties depend on the choice of the micromodulus. We solve the forced peridynamic equation in the static case (avoiding divergent integrals) and in the time-harmonic case (with a radiation condition, when needed).

Resonant effects of long-period ship-induced waves near shallow coasts

This work analyzes the propagation properties of long-period ship-induced waves of vessels in confined waterways that are surrounded by wide and shallow water bodies using numerical simulations. Previous measurements indicated that, in the presence of shallow water surroundings, the drawdown being part of the long-period wave system can travel in the form of depression waves over several ship lengths distance [Parnell et al., “Ship-induced solitary Riemann waves of depression in Venice Lagoon,” Phys. Lett. A 379, 555–559 (2015); Scarpa et al., “The effects of ship wakes in the Venice Lagoon and implications for the sustainability of shipping in coastal waters,” Sci. Rep. 9, 19014 (2019)]. The exact conditions leading to these unexpectedly large propagation distances could to date not be clarified [Parnell et al., “Depression Waves Generated by Large Ships in the Venice Lagoon,” J. Coastal Res. 75, 907–911 (2016)]. In this work, evidence from numerical simulations is presented, indicating that the far-field propagation properties are governed by the wave speed of the shallow water surroundings. In case the ship speed is larger than the surrounding wave speed (supercritical conditions), a free wave is continuously generated traveling over the shallow water with only minimal height decay. In the simulations, depression waves can travel over a distance of three ship-lengths with a height reduction below 10% in the supercritical regime, as compared to 80% height reduction in the sub-critical regime. In a one-dimensional environment, this agreement of free and forced wave speed is known as Proudman resonance.

Innovative Coastal Resilience: Design and Application of Hydraulic Geotextile Tubes as Sustainable Breakwater Cores in La Union

The constant assault of waves contributes to the loss of valuable coastal land of La Union, necessitating innovative and sustainable methods to protect the shoreline. In the pursuit of sustainable solutions, innovative technologies such as hydraulic geotextile tubes have emerged as promising contenders for enhancing shoreline protection. This study explores the design and application of hydraulic geotextile tubes as breakwater cores along the La Union shoreline. Due to their permeability and flexibility, hydraulic geotextile tubes offer a viable substitute for conventional breakwater materials. The research aims to provide valuable insights into sustainable coastal management by determining how these tubes can be designed to resist wave forces, ensure stability against hydrodynamic pressures, identify various installation methods, and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages in preventing shoreline erosion and potentially reclaiming sand. The study's findings could inform strategies that balance shoreline protection with environmental preservation. It highlights the interaction between creative engineering solutions and environmental stewardship in addressing evolving coastal challenges.

Optimization of three-catamaran formation for resistance performance under different Froude numbers and configurations

This study explores optimizing drag reduction in three-catamaran formations under different Froude numbers and configurations. Initially, the numerical methods and models employed in this study are introduced, followed by a grid convergence analysis to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the numerical simulations. The still water resistance of the Delft-372 catamaran is numerically calculated at different Froude numbers (Fr) and compared with experimental data, showing a strong correlation and validating the numerical approach. Subsequently, the flow field and wave height along the hull centerline of the catamaran are analyzed at Fr = 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6. Focusing on three-catamaran formations, this study separately investigates the drag characteristics of tandem, parallel, and triangle configurations to reveal the influence mechanisms of different configurations. The computational results indicate that certain formation configurations and distances can reduce resistance for both the entire formation and individual catamarans at different speeds. Additionally, the lateral force, bottom pressure, and bow-stern wave heights experienced by catamarans in formation were analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of their hydrodynamic interactions. From the perspectives of drag reduction and safety, the tandem formation is most advantageous, followed by the triangle formation, with optimal spacing recommended for different speeds. To mitigate the adverse effects of lateral force, the spacing between catamarans in parallel formation should exceed 1 B.

Experimental and numerical investigation of wave loads on land-based multi-chamber OWC converters

Capturing more wave energy in a cost-effective principle has become a challenging task. Multi-chamber oscillating water column (OWC) devices are gradually gaining favour due to their potentially efficient characteristics. However, there is relatively limited research on dynamic analysis which is crucial for the safety and survival of multi-chamber OWC devices. In the study, model experiments of the hydrodynamic pressures for single-, dual- and three-chamber devices were conducted at a wave flume. A two-dimensional fully nonlinear numerical model for the interaction between waves and the OWC devices was established based on the higher-order boundary element method. The numerical results well cross-validated the experimental data. The wave forces and moments exerted on the devices were numerically calculated. The results indicate that the multi-chamber configurations not only generally reduce the wave loads on front and rear walls in high-frequency waves, but also avoid the sloshing motion of the water column inside the chamber, which induces large wave loads on the converter. However, the additional internal walls impose a redoubled burden on the junction of the top ceiling and the rear wall. The OWC converters sustain the horizontal forces much more than vertical forces. The front lip (i.e., the bottom edge of the front wall), the rear wall and the connection between the seabed and the device are relatively dangerous positions for configurations with any number of chambers.

Computations of energetic nearshore waves: Are weakly dispersive phase-resolving models telling the same story?

Three phase-resolving weakly dispersive wave models are used for 2DH (2D depth-integrated) computations of large-scale wave-by-wave processes induced by highly energetic sea/swell (SS) forcing near Haleʻiwa on the North Shore of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. The computed model results are compared to observations obtained over a nearshore cross-reef transect and from the basin of a small boat harbor. The level of agreement between the model results and observations in complex coastal environments under highly energetic wave forcing, along with the qualitative consistency among the three models, makes these models good candidates for operational applications in nearshore environments exposed to energetic wave forcing conditions.Spectral analyses inside the harbor and over the reef indicate that all three models generally account for infragravity (IG) spatial modal structures that are consistent with observations and the theory of edge and leaky waves. Over the reef, auto- and cross-spectral analyses reveal that the dominant waveforms are qualitatively reproduced by all three models, as indicated through: (i) the growth of IG wave amplitudes from deeper water to the shallow reef sites; (ii) the agreement of power spectral density peaks at the nearshore locations; and (iii) the remarkable similarity of spatial coherence functions among the models and between the models and observations. The computations of swell entering the small boat harbor at Haleʻiwa demonstrate that the models can successfully reproduce the variability in the narrow IG frequency bands that are spatially dependent and often subject to resonant amplifications.

FPSO ROLL MOTIONS DRIVEN BY SECOND-ORDER FORCES AND THE IMPACTS ON SLWR RISER DESIGN

Abstract The dynamic behavior of risers is highly influenced by the FPU motions, associated with environmental loads, caused by waves, current and wind. Particularly, as well known, under potential flow modelling, wave loads may be represented through power series expansions, with respect to a small parameter ε. First-order wave forces pulsate in the frequency range of the incident wave spectra, whereas second-order wave forces are related to sum or difference frequencies of the same spectra. The so-called second-order difference frequencies forces may then be responsible by resonating motions of the vessel in that range. Significant low-frequency motions due to second order forces are commonly observed in the horizontal plane, resonating low natural frequencies of moored floating systems characterized by low mooring stiffnesses. Recently, however, this phenomenon was also observed for roll motions in several new FPSOs that will operate in the Pre-Salt of Santos Basin. The phenomenon had already been detected in a deep draft semi-submersible in Campos Basin, but only more recently in FPSOs. The new floating units are characterized by high roll natural periods, above the typical wave period range in the pre-salt region, and the roll response to the second-order difference frequencies forces can be significant. This phenomenon was indeed detected in model tests and confirmed by numerical studies. In fact, this additional FPSO roll behavior occurs in typical periods slightly above 20 s, imposing displacements and accelerations that can directly affect the dynamics of the riser top region. The present paper addresses this phenomenon and its possible impact on steel lazy-wave riser (SLWR) designs.

Extreme Wave-Induced Pressure Distribution and Wave Forces on Tandem Pile Groups: An Experimental Study

As the foundation of marine infrastructure, pile groups are subjected to extreme wave loads. Existing research primarily focuses on regular waves and wave forces. There is limited research on the pressure distribution of pile bodies under extreme waves. This paper describes a wave flume experiment where waves of a self-proposed extreme wave type were generated. The experiment considers three water depths (25/35/45 cm), three wave-pushing velocities (20/30/40 cm/s), and two clear distances (D, 2D). A total of 216 measuring points equipped with digital pressure sensors captured the vertical and circumferential pressure distribution and wave positive force. The results show that (1) the vertical and circumferential pressure distribution patterns of each component pile and the single pile are similar in various loading scenarios and clear distances. (2) The measuring point pressure, pressure after circumferential integration, and wave positive force are positively correlated with wave-pushing velocity. (3) The wave pressure is positively correlated with the water depth, while the pressure after circumferential integration is negatively correlated with the water depth. (4) When the clear distance is D, the wave positive force coefficient of each component pile is less than 1.0.