Hydrodynamic characteristics of bodies in channels

Abstract

The effect of channel walls on the hydrodynamic characteristics of fixed or oscillating bodies is discussed using classical linear water wave theory. Particular attention is paid to the occurrence of trapped modes persisting local to the fixed body and which are manifested in a non-uniqueness of the corresponding forced problem at the trapped mode frequency. The general ideas are illustrated by consideration of two simple geometries for which semi-analytic solutions are available, namely a circular cylinder either partly immersed or extending throughout the water depth, and a thin vertical plate parallel to the channel walls which extends throughout the water depth. Conclusions are drawn concerning the conditions under which trapped modes may exist and their effect on the hydrodynamic characteristics of more general bodies.