Combined refraction and diffraction of short waves using the finite element method

A two-dimensional finite element numerical model is presented that calculates combined refraction and diffraction of short waves. The wave equation solved governs the propagation of periodic, small amplitude surface gravity waves over a variable depth seabed of mild slope. An efficient computational scheme is employed that allows the solution of practical problems that typically require large computational grids. Comparisons are presented between the finite element model calculations and an analytical solution, a two-dimensional numerical solution, a three-dimensional numerical solution, and measurements from a hydraulic model.