Realistic Floating Breakwater Design Based on an Optimized 2D Model

From previous study, a 2D floating breakwater model which has optimal performance, had been obtained. The performance of the model was verified with numerical relations and an experiment in towing tank as well. Moreover, its performance and characteristics in 3D case were also evaluated in the subsequent study However, because the 3D model is formed by simply extruding the 2D shape in longitudinal direction, it only produces a model with uniform transverse shape which is considered to be less effective and efficient in terms of technical and economical points of view. Consequently, it is needed to modify the model to obtain a more realistic and efficient design without reducing significantly the performance obtained previously. In the present study, several modifications of the original 3D model are performed. The performance and characteristics of the modified models in terms of wave elevations on the free surface are evaluated at various wavelengths by using higher order boundary element method (HOBEM). The accuracy of the computed results is confirmed with Haskind-Newman and energy conservation relations. From the modifications and evaluations of the original model, the effect of modifications to the performance can be realized which could be used to design a more realistic and efficient model