Wave-Structure-Current interactions over smooth and rough breakwaters

Abstract

This paper investigates wave-current-structure interaction considering both the following and opposing current. Experiments were conducted in a wave flume to determine wave transformation characteristics (i.e. wave reflection, transmission, and dissipation) employing both regular and irregular waves propagating in the presence of smooth and rough breakwaters. Discrepancies in the wave transformation characteristics are observed between smooth and rough breakwaters with and without currents. Transmission coefficient differences between smooth and rough structures were 33% and 12% for the regular and irregular waves, respectively. Reflection coefficients in irregular waves are more sensitive than in regular waves. However, the influence of external current on the energy loss coefficient was not significant when the submerged breakwater height increased.