Numerical study on the reverse drift force of floating BBDB wave energy absorbers

Abstract

The motions and time-mean horizontal drift forces of floating backward-bent duct buoy wave energy absorbers in regular waves are calculated taking account of the oscillating surface-pressure due to the pressure drop in the air chamber above the oscillating water column within the scope of the linear wave theory. The present numerical results show that the time-mean drift forces of backward-bent duct buoys are in the reverse direction of propagation of the incident waves over specific frequency ranges as found by McCormick through his experimental work. The drift force has been calculated by the near-field method. A brief discussion on Maruo's formula which shows that the time-mean drift force must be in the direction of propagation of the incident waves, has also been presented. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.