Numerical modelling of the wave attenuation of floating breakwaters in deep waters

Abstract

This paper presents the analysis of the wave attenuation performance of different box-type, floating breakwater structures. Numerical models are generated using the potential flow solver ANSYS® AQWA™, Version 2022 R2. The difference in wave transmission between fixed-floating and free-floating units is analysed and discussed. Various large-scale configurations are simulated in deep waters and a thorough parametric analysis is presented investigating the sensitivity of the wave breaking efficiency to the floating configuration and geometric characteristics. The response to site conditions is also analysed. Results suggest that the wave transmission coefficient is unaffected when moving from deep to transitional waters but is slightly altered when changing the incident wave height. Furthermore, the wave attenuation performance is observed to be highly dependent on the structural mass, incident wave period and station-keeping arrangement.