WAVE REFLECTION EFFECTS ON SMALL CRAFT MOTIONS

This paper describes an experimental and a numerical study of the wave -induced response of a moored vessel near a reflecting wall, for the p urpose of incorporating wave reflection effects into wave agitation cr iteria for small craft harbours. The motions of a model vessel have be en measured for a range of wave heights, wave periods, wave directions , mooring conditions, and vessel locations, and with both regular and irregular waves. These have been compared with the results of a numeri cal model based on linear diffraction theory. An expression is develop ed to relate vessel motions near a partially reflecting wall to motion s in unreflected waves. This has been found to agree well with the exp erimental results, and is used to recommend an extension to existing w ave agitation criteria for small craft harbours so as to take account of the presence of reflecting walls.