Wave Interaction with Large Submerged Structures

The interaction of waves with large fixed two-dimensional structures submerged in water of finite depth is examined. The boundary-value problem for the velocity potential of the wave is formulated under the assumptions of linear diffraction theory. One of the most powerful tools used to analyze this boundary-value problem is the Green's function. To derive the Green's function that satisfies all or some of the imposed boundary conditions is, however, sometimes difficult or even impossible. This paper presents an alternative method of numerical solution in the form of the boundary element method. The boundary element technique is implemented by using Green's second identity and a fundamental solution to form a boundary integral equation which is then applied numerically over the full boundary of the problem. Wave forces and pressures are calculated from the velocity potential of the wave. Results presented for several basic objects of symmetry compare well with the known solutions.