Wave Propagation Through Dense Vertical Cylinder Arrays: 3D Experimental Study

Abstract

The purpose of this research work is to study the diffraction of surface gravity waves propagating through rectangular porous medium in three dimensions. The considered porous structure consists of dense arrays of surface piercing vertical cylinders. Experiments for different regular wave conditions have been carried out, especially for three-wave frequencies. The experimental data of wave refraction–diffraction and reflection have been compared to computed results from potential linear theory solved with an integral matching method. Comparison with a previous 2D study about wave propagation through porous medium in a 10 m long wave flume is also discussed in order to highlight the refraction–diffraction effect due to the porous structure.