Analysis of skewness/kurtosis evolution and energy modulation induced by the interaction of focused waves with barrier arrays

Abstract

Extreme waves, characterized by sudden onset and high destructiveness, present significant risks to offshore structures, vessels, and personnel due to their considerable energy and wave height. Research indicates that geometric focusing and abrupt depth transition are crucial in forming these waves. This study examined the interaction between focused waves and submerged barriers arrays using the OpenFOAM and its waves2Foam library. By varying operating conditions, the study investigated these interactions by analysing parameters such as wave focus amplitude, and barrier's width, height and number. The analysis covered statistical characteristics, energy distribution. The results show that the presence of a submerged barrier significantly increases skewness and slightly raises kurtosis at the structure's rear, while it also enhances the asymmetry coefficient and maximum wave height; Reflection and refraction effects at the barrier enhance energy in the second harmonic frequency range (1.5–2.5 Hz) for single structures, with arrays further amplifying energy at higher frequencies. This work exploits the propagation and evolution of the focused waves after interacting with the submerged barrier and helps to understand the complexity of the interaction between the submerged barrier and focused waves.