Experimental Evaluation of Wave Attenuation Performance Using Flexible Artificial Aquatic Vegetation

Key Points

• The study aims to evaluate the wave attenuation performance of flexible artificial aquatic vegetation designed to mimic natural plant functions.
• Conducted two-dimensional wave tank experiments to measure wave energy dissipation.
• Analyzed key variables including number of plants (N), vegetation density (VD), length of vegetation area (L), and depth of vegetation area (D).
• Used ultrasonic wave gauges to measure wave heights and separate incident and reflected waves with a three-point method.
• Calculated reflection, transmission, and dissipation coefficients to quantitatively assess energy dissipation performance.
• Identified that vegetation density (N) and depth (D) significantly influence wave attenuation.
• Higher vegetation density enhances flow disruption and turbulence, increasing energy dissipation.
• Shallower vegetation areas decrease wave particle velocity near the free surface, strengthening wave attenuation effects.