Interactions of cnoidal waves with cylinder arrays

The three-dimensional scattering of cnoidal waves by cylinder arrays are studied numerically by using the generalized Boussinesq equations. The boundary-fitted coordinate transformation and a dual-grid technique are used to simplify the finite-difference computation. Also, a set of open boundary conditions and an incident cnoidal wave are incorporated for time-domain simulation. The free-surface elevation and hydrodynamic forces on each cylinder are calculated to illustrate the evolution of nonlinear waves and their interactions with large cylinder arrays. Comparisons are made between the present nonlinear wave loads and those obtained from linear diffraction theory. The sheltering role played by the neighboring cylinders and the feature of wave interference are discussed.