Surface-penetrating flexible membrane wave barriers of finite draft

The performance of surface-penetrating flexible membrane wave barriers of finite draft is studied. The interactions of a single membrane and dual membrane systems are examined with various system parameters. The analytical solutions are derived using eigenfunction expansions assuming linear wave theory and small membrane response. Wave transmission is determined for various combinations of membrane draft, protrusion above the water surface, membrane tension and membrane spacing. The numerical solutions are compared with data obtained from experiments conducted. Comparisons of transmission coefficient and energy loss show good agreement with suitably chosen parameters of viscous losses.