Experimental study on the wave attenuation performance of a floating breakwater

The present paper describes an experimental study carried out to investigate the wave attenuation performance of a floating breakwater named Wave Suppress System (WSS). Laboratory experiments were conducted with the aim of determining the wave transmission characteristics of WSS under various wave conditions. The tested models were subjected to a series of unidirectional regular wave with different periods. The experimental results showed that the degree of wave attenuation was strongly dependent upon the geometrical factors of the structure and wave conditions. Wave attenuation was also found to be greater if the system is exposed to steeper waves. WSS is an effective wave energy dissipator but a poor wave reflector. A comparison was also made between WSS and other common floating breakwaters for their wave attenuation ability. WSS appeared to be a better floating breakwater compared to the others in capturing the rough waves.