Author(s): Zhi Yung Tay; Nyan Lin Htoo
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Floating breakwater wave attenuation coastal protection computational fluid dynamics coupled heave-pitch motion
Abstract: This study investigates the wave mitigation performance of floating breakwaters of stepped and pontoon types, with a focus on their effectiveness in reducing wave heights downstream. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are conducted using Star-CCM+ to model the behaviour of waves and breakwaters under stationary, heave-only motion, and coupled heave-pitch motion, for a wave period of 4-6 [s] and wave height 2 [m]. The primary objective is to evaluate wave attenuation with transmitted wave heights and to assess the type of floating breakwater that offers better efficiency. The study also analyses the free motion response of the floating breakwaters, such as heave and pitch response, to assess their intensity and the impact on wave attenuation. Findings indicate that stepped breakwaters outperform pontoon types across all configurations, with stationary breakwaters showing superior wave mitigation compared to those with motion. Among the motion-enabled cases, breakwaters allowing only heave motion achieve greater wave attenuation than those with coupled heave-pitch movement. This research aims to contribute to the assessment for the breakwater design in coastal protection.
Year: 2025