Characteristics of An Open Tube Wave Attenuation System

A new type of wave attenuation system consisting of arrays of open tubes of different length aligned with the direction of wave travel and suited for either fixed or floating applications has been systematically tested. This new breakwater acts as a scattering or de-tuning device for the periodically transmitted wave energy. In its ideal form it would produce a completely random output of the wave energy and dissipation through turbulence. By contrast to conventional breakwaters protecting essentially by reflection of the wave energy or by dissipation through wave breaking the proposed breakwater dissipates a major portion of the wave energy by currents induced in the tubes and generating turbulence at both of the tube exits, by surface resistance, and by interference with energy transmission through the array of tubes.