Wave Forces on Submerged Structures

The magnitude and characteristics of forces resulting from oscillatory waves were determined for models of submerged barge-like structures. The wave profiles and the variation with time of the resulting horizontal and vertical forces were obtained for various wave heights, wave periods, and locations of the barge with respect to the water surface. The basic model was a right parallelepiped having the proportions of a typical barge. Modifications of this model were made to determine the effects of rounding the sides and of the inclusion of a slot in one end of the barge. Horizontal force measurements were also made for a flat plate having the same dimensions as the long vertical face of the barge. These studies provided design data needed for the application of analytical methods in the determination of forces on some types of submerged structures.