Hydroelastic Analysis Of A Floating Carpet In Waves

A concept of wave energy extraction using a large flexible low-draft floating structure called 'wave carpet' is analyzed. In determining the motion of the carpet, a simplified linear two-dimensional problem is formulated. The carpet is assumed to be a slender elastic beam with free ends. The theory is developed in two steps. First the dry eigenmodes of the carpet are determined. Then, the hydrodynamic pressures along the carpet in waves are computed talung into account the wave diffiactionlradiation effect of the carpet. The dry eigenmodes are included in this step in computing the pressure distribution. The amplitudes of carpet deflection and available energy stored in the carpet are estimated. The amount of energy that can be extracted for a typical carpet size is determined. The simplified method shows that it represents physical displacements of such a configuration by comparing the deflection of the carpet with available model test data on such plates.