This paper describes a numerical approach to model the dynamic response of
a pneumatic floating platform, and the laboratory experiments and parametri
c study to verify the numerical results. The pneumatic platform is composed
of an array of open-bottom vertical cylinders trapping pressurized air tha
t displaces the water. The cylinder diameter is assumed to be small compare
d to the wavelength and the water inside each cylinder oscillates as a pist
on. These assumptions simplify the mathematical formulation in that the bot
tom of the platform can be treated as a continuous surface on which the sou
rce distribution method can be applied. In the laboratory experiments, the
compressibility and displacement of the trapped air are modeled by a spring
and float assembly. The comparison between the numerical and experimental
results indicates favorable agreement, The oscillation of the water columns
and the overall dynamic characteristics of the platform are illustrated an
d discussed in the parametric study. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig
hts reserved.