Wave action at a series of offshore breakwaters: a mathematical model of wave diffraction and overtopping

This report describes the development of a mathematical model of wave diffraction and overtopping by a series of offshore breakwaters. The method used combines the solutions of a number of insular breakwater and breakwater gap problems. For the case of a single insular breakwater or breakwater gap the results from this model are compared with published results. For a number of offshore breakwaters a preliminary comparison is made with the results from a physical model. The model is subsequently used to test the sensitivity of wave height in the lee of breakwaters to changes in incident period and direction, and adjustments in breakwater length: gap width ratio.