TAF LAB

Theoretical and Applied Fluid Dynamics Laboratory

Wave Bridge An Innovative Approach to Reduce Ocean Wave Impact Forces on Structures
Henry Pham, Sebastian Timmerberg, Mostafa Shakeri, and Mohammad-Reza Alam Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley

Engineering

Abstract
Today there is an increasing number of offshore strucutres. [1] Offshore structures are exposed to signicant forces perennially due to ocean waves. [2] Our novel setup provides the means to protect offshore structures against high impact forces from incident ocean waves.

Results
Wave Energy / Incident Wave Energy [ % ]

Conclusion
Transmitted Reected Middle Wave

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0.6

Measurements show that the wave bridge can create regions of calm water for protection of offshore structures like wind turbines or oil platforms.

Frequency Sweep

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 wave / natural

1.4

1.5

1.6

Steep waves can be transmitted, which occur in rough sea environment.

Wave Energy / Incident Wave Energy [ % ]

60 60

50 50

transmitted reected middle wave

Transmitted Reected Middle Wave

40 40

The system works best for the resonant frequency and further effort will be employed to increase the band of absorption. Further testing of the 2-dimensional Wave Bridge will include using strain gauges to measure the actual forces on the offshore structures.

30 30

Amplitude Sweep
20 20

10 10 0 0 0 0

0.06 Figure 3. Percentage of energy transmitted or reected by the wave bridge and the percental energy of the wave between the plungers (middle wave) over the steepness of KA incident waves (ka). The energy values are normalized to the incident wave.

0.02

0.02

0.04

0.04

0.06 ka

0.08

0.08

0.1

0.1

0.12

0.12

Materials and Methods

An experimental two dimensional setup of the Wave Bridge was designed and manufactured by the Theoretical and Applied Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. Two concave shaped plungers are made from a wooden framework and a berglass shell.

Experimental Model

Outlook
de O ut go in g W av nt W av e

Six linear Bearings are mounted to realize the vertical movement of the plungers. A mechanical mechanism consisting of a hinge, an aluminum bar and two wheels ensures that the plungers move in opposite direction, meaning that when one plunger goes up the other one is forced to go down.

Calm Region

The next steps are to expand the project to the case of 3-dimensional. We extrapolate the uni-directional case of this project to an omnidirectional device.

References
1. Pulsipher, Allan G. Forecasting the Number of Offshore Platforms on the Gulf of Mexico OCS to the Year 2023. [New Orleans, La.]: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, 2001. Print. 2. Brincker, Kirkegaard, and Andersen. "Damage Detection in Offshore Structures. 3. Dean, Robert G., and Robert A. Dalrymple. Water Wave Mechanics for Engineers and Scientists. Singapore: World Scientic, 1991. Print. 4. McCormick, Michael E. Ocean Wave Energy Conversion. New York: Wiley, 1981. Print. 5. Cruz, Joo. Ocean Wave Energy: Current Status and Future Prepectives [i.e. Perspectives]. Berlin: Springer, 2008. Print.

Acknowledgement
Special Thanks to the donors of the Surf Rose Hills Fellowship. Without you, this research would not have been possible. In addition, thank you to Mentors Leah Carroll, Nathan Shih for technical and mental support.

University of California Berkeley

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