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Abstract

Theoretical and numerical investigations have been carried out on the use of the Integral Equation Method of solution for the Potential Theory problem of the interaction between a floating body and a train of regular waves in a two-dimensional domain. In particular, a numerical study has been carried out of the indirect method of solution of the integral equation resulting from a distribution of Green's Function sources over a boundary coincident with the immersed surface of the body. It is demonstrated that a significant increase in solution efficiency, with no loss of precision, can be effected by improvements in the general numerical techniques of solution together with the use of a polynomial type distribution of elements over the source boundary. It is also demonstrated that significant improvements in solution accuracy for rectangular aspects can be achieved by a slight 'rounding' of the submerged edges of the mathematical model. An experimental investigation of the interaction between a train of regular waves and a substantially rectangular floating body includes measurements of the reflection and transmission characteristics, for both the fixed and floating mode of the body, together with measurements of the body motions. The primary objective of the experimental study is the validation of theoretically predicted interaction parameters derived from the above methods. The experimental program was designed both to determine the extent of validity of Potential Theory within regimes where diffraction effects predominate, and also to determine the conditions under which the use of Potential Theory alone becomes invalid due to the significant presence of non-linear effects. As a consequence of the results of this investigation, recommendations are made both with regard to the possible achievement of further improvements in solution efficiency and, more importantly, with regard to a general improvement of solution accuracy by the inclusion of the above-mentioned non-linear effects in the theoretical formulations.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Departments:	School of Science & Technology > Engineering

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