Further study on head loss and flow dynamics across pile-supported permeable breakwaters: Experimental insights and empirical modeling

This study investigates head loss and flow dynamics in pile-supported permeable breakwaters, focusing on the effects of structural porosity, the number of porous plate layers, and configuration schemes. Laboratory experiments show that head loss increases with higher Froude numbers and water depths, while lower porosity significantly enhances flow resistance and energy dissipation. Velocity measurements reveal the formation of high-speed jets and secondary flows downstream, further influencing energy loss. An empirical model is developed to predict head loss based on initial Froude number, equivalent porosity, and relative water depth, showing strong agreement with experimental data. Additionally, empirical expressions for the drag coefficient indicate that it slightly decreases with increasing Froude number, decreases with greater equivalent porosity, but increases with relative water depth. The findings not only support hydraulic optimization of breakwater designs but also highlight ecological implications, including upstream low-flow zones that may serve as aquatic habitats and downstream scouring risks associated with concentrated jets. This work contributes to the development of more effective and environmentally sustainable breakwater systems. Future studies should address sediment transport processes and adaptive measures to mitigate scouring while ensuring long-term structural resilience.