In a significant stride towards enhancing wave mitigation technology, researchers have unveiled a novel approach to floating breakwater design, promising improved performance and broader applications in maritime infrastructure. The study, led by Seyed Mohammadreza Tabatabaee Fard from the Department of Maritime Engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, introduces a zigzag geometry for floating breakwaters, disrupting conventional design paradigms and offering a more effective solution for wave attenuation.
Floating breakwaters are crucial for protecting coastal areas, harbors, and marinas from wave action. Traditional designs, however, often fall short in providing adequate protection, particularly in areas with high wave energy. The innovative zigzag design, as explored by Tabatabaee Fard and his team, aims to address these limitations by increasing turbulence and disrupting typical wave reflection patterns. “The zigzag geometry significantly increases turbulence within the wave field, enhancing energy dissipation due to the greater upstream surface area of the breakwater compared to conventional straight breakwaters,” explains Tabatabaee Fard.
The research, published in the journal ‘Applied Ocean Research’ (translated from Persian as ‘Applied Sea Research’), employed a boundary element method based on three-dimensional diffraction radiation theory to analyze the hydrodynamic performance of the zigzag floating breakwater. The study validated the numerical model against experimental data, demonstrating strong agreement and confirming the reliability of the findings.
One of the key findings of the study is the superior performance of the 90° zigzag configuration with a middle heave plate. This design achieved a transmission coefficient of 0.28 at a specific wave condition, compared to 0.84 for a conventional rectangular breakwater. The transmission coefficient measures the proportion of wave energy that passes through the breakwater, with lower values indicating better performance. “At higher frequencies, the 90° zigzag breakwater with a heave plate further outperformed other designs, achieving a Ct of 0.15, compared to 0.44 for the rectangular breakwater,” notes Tabatabaee Fard.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. The improved performance of the zigzag floating breakwater design opens up new opportunities for maritime sectors, particularly in areas with high wave energy where traditional breakwaters have proven inadequate. The design’s enhanced wave attenuation capabilities can lead to better protection for coastal infrastructure, reduced maintenance costs, and increased safety for maritime activities.
Moreover, the study’s findings can guide the development of more efficient and cost-effective floating breakwater designs, benefiting maritime engineers, coastal managers, and stakeholders involved in harbor and marina construction. The inclusion of a heave plate, for instance, was found to enhance performance for mid-range wave conditions, offering a flexible design option depending on specific site requirements.
In summary, the research led by Tabatabaee Fard represents a significant advancement in floating breakwater technology. By introducing a zigzag geometry and validating its performance through rigorous numerical analysis, the study provides a robust framework for improving wave mitigation strategies. As maritime sectors continue to seek innovative solutions for coastal protection, the zigzag floating breakwater design offers a promising avenue for enhancing performance and ensuring the safety and sustainability of coastal infrastructure.