Pontoon and Membrane Breakwater

A numerical study on the hydrodynamic properties of a floating flexible breakwater consisting of triple vertical porous membrane structures attached to a floating rigid pontoon restrained by moorings is carried out in the context of two-dimensional linear wave-flexible body interaction theory. The tensions in the triple membranes are achieved by hanging a clump weight from its lower ends. The clump weight is also restrained properly by moorings. The dynamic behavior of the breakwater was described through an appropriate Green function, and the fluid multi-domains are incorporated into the boundary integral equation. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the effects of the various wave and structural parameters on the efficiency of the breakwater as a barrier to wave action. It is found that the wave reflection and transmission properties of the structures depends strongly on the membrane length taking major fraction of water column, the magnitude of tensions on membrane achieving by the clump weight, proper mooring types and stiffness, the permeability on the membrane dissipating wave energy.