On geometric design considerations and control methodologies for absorbing wavemakers

This paper investigates the effects that geometry and control have on the absorption characteristics of wavemakers. It presents the hydrodynamic coefficients for piston and bottom hinged flap wavemakers and also for two novel wavemaker profiles. Absorption efficiencies are presented for wavemakers using one, two and three control coefficients for reactive control. This is then used to analyse the absorption efficiency of each of the different wavemakers based upon the geometry and the control strategy used. It is shown that the amount of absorption for a given paddle differs greatly depending on the choice of control coefficients used to implement complex conjugate control. Increased absorption can be achieved over a broader bandwith of frequencies when the geometry of the wavemaker is optimised for one specific frequency.