Wave transformation due to finite floating elastic plate with abrupt change in bottom topography

Abstract

The propagation of surface gravity waves in the presence of finite floating elastic plate over varying sea bottom profile is investigated using the Timoshenko-Mindlin plate theory. The continuity of velocity and pressure at the interfaces along with the continuity of deflection, slope, bending moment and shear force is employed with the support conditions at the plate edges. The numerical computation is performed to obtain the hydroelastic behaviour of the floating elastic plate due to abrupt change in bottom topography. The validation of the present analytical model is performed with the known results available in the literatures. Further, a detailed comparison of the numerical results is presented for different step bottom topography on the hydroelastic characteristics of a floating elastic platform. The present study will provide an insight into the effect of the ocean bottom profile on wave propagation due to the presence of a large floating elastic plate. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.