
Comparative Study on Wave Reflection Coefficients for V-Shaped and Flat-Front Wave Absorbers
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This study evaluates and compares the hydrodynamic performance of two double-permeable-wall wave absorber designs: one with a flat front and another with a V-shaped or wedge-shaped front, designed to enhance wave energy dissipation. Numerical simulations were conducted in OpenFOAM using a coupled Navier-Stokes and Darcy-Forchheimer model to account for fluid dynamics within the porous media. The computational domain was discretized with a hexahedral mesh, featuring refinement zones around the porous media and the water-air interaction region to ensure accurate resolution of key flow features. Laminar flow was considered throughout the simulations. Reflection coefficients were analyzed under varying wave conditions, characterized by differences in wave period and wavelength. The results show that the V-shaped design reduces the reflection coefficient more efficiently, achieving reductions of up to 49% compared to the 68% recorded by the flat-front design for the longest waves analyzed. This behavior is attributed to the V-shaped design's ability to progressively fragment and dissipate wave energy through its inclined walls, whereas the flat-front design, with its perpendicular surface, reflected more energy. Although both designs performed better with shorter waves, the V-shaped absorber consistently demonstrated superior capability in minimizing wave reflection under almost all evaluated conditions. These findings highlight the importance of geometry in wave energy dissipation, positioning the V-shaped design as a potential alternative for coastal engineering applications.