Wave Induced Oscillations in Harbors

The problem of wave induced oscillations of a small rectangular harbor that is connected to a larger rectangular wave basin is treated. This model system, without artificial energy dissipators, was studied experimentally and theoretically to determine how accurately this arrangement could predict the resonant modes of oscillation of a similar harbor connected to the open sea. The effects of energy dissipators on the harbor response characteristics are discussed briefly. Because of the high degree of coupling between the rectangular harbor and its attendant wave basin, the response characteristics of the model harbor as a function of incident wave period were radically different from a similar prototype connected to the open sea. Efficient wave absorbers and wave filters in the main wave basin are necessary to reduce this coupling effect.